Karnataka Clears Revised Plan for Dharwad Digital Planetarium

The Karnataka government has cleared administrative approval for a 2D 4K-resolution digital planetarium at the Dharwad Regional Science Centre, reviving a long-stalled project aimed at promoting astronomy education in North Karnataka. The decision was confirmed by Minister for Science and Technology N.S. Boseraju following the State Cabinet's Thursday meeting.

The project was initially sanctioned in 2017 with ₹22 crore for a 3D 8K planetarium with a 15-metre dome, and ₹9.31 crore was spent on civil works. However, it halted in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a sharp rise in equipment costs, which were estimated at ₹29.5 crore—exceeding available funds.

An expert committee recommended revising the plan to a 2D 4K system using the remaining ₹12.69 crore. The Department of Science and Technology adopted the proposal, which was subsequently approved by the Finance Department and the State Cabinet.

Procurement of the digital projection system, dome, software, and audio equipment will begin shortly, officials said. The planetarium is expected to become operational once installations are completed and tested.