Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik opens Kalam planetarium

SAMBALPUR: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik dedicated Dr APJ Abdul Kalam planetarium and Science and Evolution Park to the State during his visit here on Friday.The construction of the planetarium had begun in 2014 by Idco, while work on the science park was started in May this year at Burla.

The estimated cost of both the projects is `15.45 crore. The planetarium has a capacity to accommodate 142 visitors and hybrid technology has been used in the facility. The science park has been developed over an area of two acres by Sambalpur Municipal Corporation (SMC). At least 86 gadgets/models have been installed in the park.

The Chief Minister also inaugurated hostels, lecture and examination halls, auditorium, laboratory complex and paediatric building of VIMSAR at Burla, Durgapali bridge on Ring Road and swimming pool complex. He distributed  devices to persons with disabilities (PwDs) and flagged off 10 new city buses.

Naveen also laid foundation stones for SDA Market Complex at Burla, new blood bank building, new RTO building, Circuit House, development of Huma temple, eco-park and bus stand at Kuchinda.
While tight security arrangement was made during his visit, police had also taken 100 BJP workers, including BJP leader Jayanarayan Mishra, and three Congress activists into preventive custody.