The State Government is undertaking campaigns for boosting tourism, but ironically the much attractive Water, light and Sound show at the Pathani Samanta Planetarium in the capital city has been lying defunct for the past three years.
Neither have there been efforts by the Science & Technology Department nor have the planetarium officials showed any interest to revive the programme that was attracting many visitors years ago. No wonder, the planetarium is losing its significance in Bhubaneswar’s tourism map.
The light and sound show had been flagged off by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at the planetarium in May 2006. It was the first light and sound show of the State showcasing the life story of great Kalinga king Mahameghavahana Aira Kharavela, penned by veteran playwright Bijay Mishra. The 50-minute programme was given the thumb up by tourists for its presentation style and script. Actor Kuna Tripathy had lent his voice in the story, directed by late Ollywood director Asim Basu.
However, the Rs 70-lakh project was damaged partially in the 2013 cyclone Phailin. Subsequently, the authorities did not make any effort to revive it. The remaining portion of the project later started crumbling due to lack of maintenance.
The Government decided to revive the project after the Phailins. Despite fund allocation, the renovation work was halted midway. The planetarium authorities have no answer as to when the project will be revived.
“The renovation process is underway. The file has been sent to the concerned department’s secretary. But we do not know when the file will be sent back and project work will restart,” Planetarium Director Kailash Chandra Sahoo was quoted as saying.