Science City gets Rs 140 cr govt aid

The Gujarat Science City, which works under the aegis of the Department of Science and Technology, has received funding of Rs 140 crore from the Central and state governments for infrastructure development.

The funds will be used to develop facilities such as life science parks, planetarium, auditorium, aero modeling, information kisoks among others.

"The state government has so far funded over Rs 130 crore for the Gujarat Science City, while it has received around Rs 10 crore from the Central government. The state government is determined to create scientific temper and enhance community interest in science and technology. Towards this purpose, the government is promoting the Gujarat Science City project at Ahmedabad," said P K Laheri, chief secretary, government of Gujarat.

The science city has utilised funds worth Rs 100 crore for the development of India's first giant screen Imax three-dimensional theatre, energy education park, musical dancing fountain, children activity centre, amphitheater, basic science pavilion, space and a communication pavilion.

The science city is developing life science park, planetarium, auditorium, aero modeling, information kiosks and cafeteria in a phased manner with investment of over Rs 40 crore by the end of the next financial year.

"The Gujarat Council of Science City will embark on a mission to promote innovative and experimental activities through minds on exposure and hands on learning process, to promote and exhibit interaction of science, technology, energy and environment with human life and to promote the latest scientific and technological break throughs in India as well as abroad," said Sanjay Agarwal, chief executive officer, Gujarat Council of Science City.

The Imax screens at the Gujarat Science City are eight-storied and the image is 10 times larger than a conventional 35 mm screen.