Karnataka’s Minister for Minor Irrigation, Science, and Technology, N.S. Boseraju, laid the foundation stone on Monday for a sub-regional science center and mini planetarium at Hidkal Dam in Belagavi district, marking a significant step in advancing science education in the region.
With an estimated cost of ₹13 crore, the initiative is part of the Raja Lakhamagouda Udyana Kashi Development Project. It aims to enhance science education in rural areas, offering students an interactive and engaging platform to explore science and technology.
The science center will include a fun science gallery, two thematic galleries, a 150-seat auditorium, and a computer room to foster hands-on learning. The mini planetarium, featuring a 10-meter dome and 60 seats, will be equipped with a 3D projector.
Minister Boseraju announced plans for similar centers in eight or nine districts this year, along with telescope distributions and laboratory setups for 833 residential schools across the state.
District in-charge Minister Satish Jarkiholi highlighted the science center’s role in a student tourism circuit that includes Hidkal Dam, Gokak Falls, and the Rani Channamma Zoo. He also revealed plans for water sports in Hidkal Dam’s backwaters.
Hukkeri MLA Nikhil Katti mentioned that development projects worth ₹30 crore are underway in Hukkeri taluk, including irrigation tanks, drip irrigation systems, and lake-filling projects.
The project, jointly executed by the departments of Science and Technology and Irrigation, with Karnataka Niravari Nigam Limited allocating five acres of land, has finalized tenders and will commence work shortly.
