Assam planetariums: Reality paints gloomy picture

GUWAHATI: All's not well with the construction of six district science centre and planetarium projects in the State – one each at Majuli, Diphu, Kaliabor, Silchar, Amingaon and Bongaigaon.

The six projects were taken up in the Budget for fiscal 2016-17. However, all the six projects have got stuck at the initial stages, said official sources when asked on the progress of these projects.

The foundation stone of the project in Majuli has been laid, but the work is progressing very slowly. The situation of the project at Diphu is no different. Even though the work order has been issued, the foundation stone is yet to be laid.

The foundation stone of the project at Kaliabor has been laid, and the work is going on, albeit slowly.

The work order of the project at Silchar has been issued, but the project has got stuck in a land dispute.

The work order of the project at Amingaon has been issued, but the foundation stone is yet to be laid. The foundation stone of the project at Bongaigaon has been issued and the work is progressing slowly.

Only three planetariums in the State – one each in Guwahati, Jorhat and Kokrajhar – are in operation.

Though the civil works of the planetariums at Nalbari and North Lakhimpur have been completed, yet the process of installation of machines at the sites has not been started. These two projects have taken a number of years against the scheduled 18-month period.

According official sources, the projects have to be completed within 18 months from the date of issuance of their work orders.

Around Rs 129.26 crore has been already approved for the projects – one each at Majuli, Diphu, Kaliabor, Silchar, Amingaon and Bongaigaon. These projects were taken up under the Department of Science and Technology at the initiative of ASTEC (Assam Science, Technology and Environment Council). The PWD (Building) is at the helm of affairs of the construction work.

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