Visakhapatnam planetarium project hits roadblock, not one operational in Andhra Pradesh

The city of Visakhapatnam rues the roadblocks in getting a planetarium and there is not a single one that is operational in the state of Andhra Pradesh.

Out of 45 planetariums in India, Andhra Pradesh doesn’t have a single functional planetarium. The joys of celestial enthusiasts and stargazers are not to be as the proposal for one in Visakhapatnam hits roadblocks so far as funds and support is concerned. The only planetarium in Andhra Pradesh is in Vijayawada and it is not functional.

The proposal for one in Visakhapatnam was made a while back and no good has come of it. As per Times of India – “N Raghunandan Kumar, director and founder-secretary, Planetary Society of India (PSI), said the planetarium proposal took a backseat after the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh. “Fund flow from the government is not happening as priority is on building the new capital. The planetarium at Vijayawada is non-functional due to lack of support and funds,” he said.

In 2013, a small planetarium and observatory was to come up at Kailasagiri or VUDA Park in Visakhapatnam but without government support. the proposal got shelved.The state has only one planetarium in Vijayawada. The last Super Moon sighting in Vizag and the latest one that is to happen today, bring to mind the absence of a facility where enthusiastic students, young or adult may view it. Exploring the magic of outer space and celestial wonders is a joy denied to those that dream of it here.

the facility in Vijayawada, the only one in Andhra Pradesh is beset by the crunch on regular funding and requests for a better site where the night sky is visible better has been made. A necessary facility for encouraging students and others, this is sadly absent in our state.

Source – Times of India