CM opens science city, praises construction

Patna: CM Nitish Kumar on Sunday inaugurated the newly constructed Dr A P J Abdul Kalam Science City on a 21-acre plot in Rajendra Nagar area of the state capital, by cutting the ribbon and unveiling the plaque.After the inauguration, the CM inspected various sections of the science city. He observed the galleries and scientific exhibits throughout the complex as well as on the first floor. The children present at the event welcomed the CM.During the event, building construction department’s secretary Kumar Ravi provided detailed information to the CM about the construction work of the science city.A short film related to the construction of the science city was also shown. The main attractions of the science city include five science-based galleries, 269 interesting science exhibits, an auditorium, a 4D theatre, and dormitory facilities for students and teachers.“The science city has been constructed well. I inspected its work multiple times. We also visited the science city in London with officials to gain insights. Expert opinions were sought for its construction,” the CM said while visiting different galleries.“The science city has been designed with unique ideas and serves as a modern centre for science and innovation that will attract people of all ages. It will be an attractive and unique centre for understanding science and technology in the country. The science city will be among the best centres for the promotion of science globally,” Nitish said.“Former President Bharat Ratna A P J Abdul Kalam had a special affection for Bihar, so we have named the Science City in his name,” he said.The science city features five large halls displaying science-related exhibits through five galleries: ‘Be a scientist’, sustainable planet, basic science, body and mind, and astronomy and space. In the first phase, a total of 12 science exhibits have been installed in the ‘be a scientist’ gallery and 35 in the ‘basic science gallery’ through Creative Museum Designers (CMD) under the organisation National Council of Science Museums (NCSM).The foundation stone for the Science City was laid by the CM on March 1, 2019. The department of science, technology and technical education approved the Science City with a budget of Rs 889 crore.