Karnataka Cabinet Approves Revised Digital Planetarium Project in Dharwad

The Karnataka State Cabinet has granted administrative approval for the establishment of a digital planetarium at the Dharwad Regional Science Centre, resolving technical and financial hurdles that previously stalled the initiative. Originally sanctioned in 2017 with a budget of ₹22 crore for a 3D 8K facility, the project was halted in 2020 due to the pandemic and escalating equipment costs, which had risen to an estimated ₹29.5 crore. Following recommendations from an expert committee, the Department of Science and Technology revised the proposal to install a state-of-the-art 2D 4K projection system, dome, software, and audio setup. This revised plan utilizes the remaining ₹12.69 crore from the original allocation, as civil works costing ₹9.31 crore were already completed. Minister for Minor Irrigation, Science and Technology N.S. Boseraju announced that the Finance Department and Cabinet have approved the changes, and procurement of the new equipment will commence soon. The project aims to promote astronomy interest among students in North Karnataka.