Siddaramaiah, Union minister to inaugurate regional science centre at Pilikula

MANGALORE: Chief minister Siddaramaiah and Union minister for culture and tourism (independent charge) Shripad Yesso Naik will inaugurate the new Regional Science Centre (RSC) set up at Pilikula on October 1. Minister for forest, environment and ecology B Ramanath Rai said that the 45th RSC, which was conceptualised, designed and developed by National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), will be handed over to Pilikula Regional Science Centre Society (PRSCS) for its operation and maintenance on the occasion. A Prabhakar Sharma, PRSCS member secretary, said the science centre at Pilikula, about 18 kms from the city, has been set up by NCSM with the active support of state department of science and technology. The new science centre has been set up at a capital cost of Rs 8.50 crore with the cost being shared by centre on 50:50 basis. The centre is characterized by its two-pronged method of communication - exhibits and activities. Built up in an area of approximate 4,000 sqmt, it houses three permanent galleries titled 'biodiversity', 'frontiers of technology' and 'fun science'. A temporary exhibition hall displays the exhibition 'planet under pressure'. The 3D film facility, inflatable dome planetarium, an air-conditioned auditorium equipped with audio-visual aids, science demonstration corner, creative ability centre, library, telescope for night sky observation and open air science park with interactive exhibits are other added attractions of the centre, Sharma said. The biodiversity gallery, the only one of its kinds in India, begins with evolution of life forms, types of ecosystems and the diverse life that exists in soil, water and air. The walk through section of Western Ghats gives the experience of the rich flora and fauna of the region along with interactive exhibits on endangered species. The frontiers of technology gallery gives an overview of the cutting edge technologies on areas of information and communication, space, biotechnology, nanotechnology etc. Fun scinec galler, spread over an area of 600 sqmt, presents exhibits that are participatory and provide hands-on and minds-on science experience to visitors, he said. The 50 seated 3D theatre, will screen science movies in three dimension by combining digital technology and Polaroid optics. High quality immersive effects produced gives visitors a memorable experience. 'Taramandal', the inflatable planetarium, is a portable dome that offers a low cost and very effective tool for astronomy education, Sharma said adding that it is the first of its kind in Asia. -TOI