Mysuru: Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar inspected the preparations at the upcoming planetarium near the foot of Chamundi Hill ahead of its scheduled inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 13.
The planetarium is being developed at the Sri Jayachamaraja Wadiyar Centre for Higher Learning of the University of Mysore (UoM). The facility, part of the Cosmology Education and Research Training Centre (COSMOS), is being built with advanced LED dome technology and is expected to strengthen science education, research and tourism in the region.
Project developed at a cost of ₹115 crore
Speaking to reporters during his inspection, Yaduveer said the COSMOS facility had been constructed at a cost of ₹115 crore under the supervision of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA).
He also acknowledged the contribution of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who released ₹5 crore for the project through her Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) funds.
The project brings together scientific infrastructure and modern presentation technology, with the aim of making astronomy more accessible to students, researchers and visitors.
Advanced LED dome technology
The planetarium is being described as the world’s first tilted LED dome planetarium. Its technology is expected to offer visitors an immersive experience of astronomical phenomena and celestial observations.
The facility is being developed through the collaboration of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics and the University of Mysore. The project is part of the wider COSMOS initiative, which aims to promote cosmology education and research.
According to Yaduveer, the facility will not be limited to academic activities. It is also expected to attract tourists and add a new attraction to Mysuru’s growing educational and cultural tourism landscape.
The planetarium could provide students with opportunities to understand astronomy through visual presentations and interactive learning experiences. Its research infrastructure is also expected to support academic activities in related fields.
Yaduveer expresses concern over unutilised RUSA funds
During the interaction with the media, the MP also expressed disappointment over the University of Mysore losing access to ₹100 crore in funds under the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA), reportedly due to non-utilisation.
He said the failure to utilise the funds had affected renovation plans at Yuvaraja’s College and Maharaja’s College.
Yaduveer pointed out that the renovation works at the two institutions had not been taken up because the funds were not utilised within the required period. His remarks highlighted concerns over the use of financial assistance meant for improving higher education infrastructure.
The issue is significant for Mysuru, which has several historic educational institutions that require continued investment in buildings and facilities.
Prime Minister’s visit scheduled for November 13
The planetarium inauguration is among the programmes planned during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Mysuru on November 13. He is also expected to inaugurate a Miyawaki mini forest at K.C. Nagar near the foot of Chamundi Hill.
Preparations for the visit are being coordinated by district officials and the institutions involved in the projects. The planetarium is expected to be the main venue for the inauguration programme.
The inauguration will mark an important milestone for the COSMOS project and bring a major astronomy-focused facility to Mysuru. With its advanced LED dome technology and proposed educational applications, the planetarium is expected to serve students, researchers and visitors while adding to the city’s scientific and tourism infrastructure.