Sambalpur: State’s Second Planetarium in Decline, Lack of Maintenance Turns Away Tourists
Sambalpur: The Dr. Abdul Kalam Planetarium in Burla is the state’s second and only planetarium in Western Odisha. It was inaugurated on September 22, 2017, and recently celebrated its seven-year anniversary. Unfortunately, its condition has deteriorated as a result of inadequate maintenance. Water leaks from the ceiling in various parts of the building, weakening the structure. A projector has been out of commission for nearly three years, and the lift has been inoperable for the past five years. As a result, the number of tourists who visit the planetarium has decreased.
Tourism Day Approaching, but Issues Persist
World Tourism Day is on September 27, but the condition of Burla’s planetarium is far from ideal. To promote tourism in Western Odisha, ticket prices for the planetarium were set at a reasonable ₹30 per person. Initially, the planetarium drew large crowds from all over the district, state, and country. Tourists now show little interest in visiting the planetarium. This neglect is evident in the peeling plaster on the half-dome ceiling and the non-functional solar lights around the premises, which locals claim have never worked.
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Tourists Face Inconvenience Inside the Planetarium
Tourists face a variety of inconveniences inside the planetarium. Despite having a lift installed to access the upper-floor theater hall, it has been inoperable for nearly five years. Families with elderly or disabled members have difficulty visiting, and some are forced to carry disabled individuals up the stairs. The planetarium in the theater hall features a 360-degree dome projection of planets and stars, a popular attraction in the past. However, for the past three years, a faulty projector has denied visitors this immersive experience.
Structural Issues Raise Concerns
Water leaks during rainfall raise additional concerns about the building’s durability. Ceiling panels in some areas have broken, but no repairs have been completed. Despite previous state government efforts to establish new planetariums in Baripada, Kendujhar, and Rayagada, Burla’s planetarium has deteriorated due to a lack of maintenance.
Future of the Planetarium Depends on Government Actions
The fate of Burla’s planetarium now rests with the actions of the current state government. Without immediate attention and repair, this important tourist attraction may continue to deteriorate, limiting its ability to promote tourism in Western Odisha.
