Kukkarahalli lake: Work on science centre dropped

The construction of the proposed Regional Science Centre (RSC) on the premises of Kukkarahalli Lake in the city, has been dropped.

The centre was sanctioned by the National Council of Science Museums, under the Union Ministry of Culture and Department of Science and Technology at a cost of Rs 14.5 crore, with 50:50 fund sharing by the state and Union governments.

The authorities had identified a seven-acre plot on the premises of Kukkarahalli Lake and began construction works, by raising pillars for the building, by spending lakhs of rupees. Later, the work was stalled, as environmentalists and green activists opposed the project.

The activists had alleged that the authorities were constructing the science centre by violating the directions of the Supreme Court. They had alleged that the science centre would affect the flora and fauna in the waterbody and around. They had launched an online campaign, demanding the authorities to identify an alternative land for the Regional Science Centre.

Speaking to DH, H Honne Gowda, Director (Technical), Department of Science and Technology, said, “Though the construction works on the RSC was started, following the directions of the court, there was strong opposition from the people. When people do not want the project, it is better to drop it.”

Out of the seven acres of the land earmarked for the RSC, six acres was identified to be developed for exhibiting models based on ‘Hands on, Minds on’ concept. One acre was identified for the building. Besides, the centre had planned to house a museum, a science park and an exhibition gallery, which would deal with modern advances in astronomy, biology and other disciplines.