The country's first science city is to be established by the Union government in Calcutta, on the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass, at a cost of Rs 100 crore. The project will eventually include a spectacular space theatre similar to a modern planetarium, open air exhibits of prehistoric animals, scientific toys installed for demonstration, 2 special buildings housing scientific models and also a mini-Sunderbans recreated in a basement. Hardware and software for the city will be imported from Japan.
Although the project will take 2 years to complete, a 5,000 person-capacity auditorium, which is to be completed by the end of this year, will be the venue of the next session of the Indian National Science Congress in January 1995.
The Calcutta Municipal Corporation has sold about 12.15 ha to the Union government for the megaproject at a nominal price. While the Centre's department of science and technology will provide Rs 60 crore for the science city, a Rs 20 crore grant is expected from the Japanese government. The remaining Rs 20 crore will be raised from corporate houses.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.