Regional Science Center inside UoM campus soon

The ` 14.5 crore facility will be the third such facility in State

Mysore city, which houses several museums on various themes, will soon have a museum dedicated to science and technology, if all goes according to plan.

 A Regional Science Center is expected to come up inside University of Mysore (UoM) premises, which when completed, will be the third such facility to be established in the State.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, H Honne Gowda, Director (Technical), Department of Science and Technology said that the Center will come up in a seven acre area.While about six acres of land will be developed to exhibit model outdoors, based on ‘Hands on, Minds on’ concept, a building will come up in one acre of land, he said.

The Center is expected to come up near Kukkarhalli lake, at an estimated cost of Rs 14.5 crore. The Center is being established jointly by the National Council of Science Museums, Ministry of Culture and Department of Science and Technology.

He said that the plans for the Center and tender process for the works had already been taken up by the departments concerned.“Of the funds required, 50 per cent each of the funds will be sanctioned by Centre and State governments, respectively,” he said. Of the contribution by the Central government, Rs 3.5 crore has already been sanctioned for the works, he added.

He said that even though the sanctioned amount was sufficient for the building, an additional Rs 2.5 crores might be required to provide electricity, water connection and other facilties. It might be around three years, before the Center is operational, he added.

The Center will house museums, science park and exhibition galleries, which would deal with the modern advancements in astronomy, biology and other scientific disciplines. Apart from it, it would also conduct demonstrations on various scientific phenomenons, in association with the University of Mysore, to raise awareness among the public.

Vice-Chancellor of University of Mysore, K S Rangappa said that Center will be the largest among the three in the State, with features that will assist the visitors in gaining an understanding about the recent developments in science.

He said that UoM had started preparing for the construction works, which might begin by the end of the year.

While the Regional Science Center at Dharwad, inside Karnatak University, is now operational, another at Pilikula in Dakshina Kannada district, is expected to be inaugurated soon.