Pathani Samanta Planetarium Remains Shut As Software Problem Continues

Pathani Samanta Planetarium Remains Shut As Software Problem Continues

Bhubaneswar, October 10: Even after four days, the authorities of the Pathani Samanta Planetarium have failed to solve the software problem due to which all the shows at the planetarium have been cancelled and the planetarium has been closed for the time being.

The problem started on Friday when after the first show, the software created some problem. Despite all efforts, the authorities failed to reinstall it.

When tried to connect the Director of the planetarium Kailash Chandra Sahoo, he didn’t respond to the calls. When approached the Deputy Director of the planetarium Subhendu Pattnaik, he said, “Since there is no one to look after the newly inaugurated APJ Abdul Kalam Planetarium at Burla, I have been sent to look after the planetarium there for a while. So, I won’t able to inform about the development at Pathani Samanta Planetarium.”

According to information from reliable sources, it might take another one week to reinstall all the software. Till then, the planetarium will remain closed.

Unfortunately, the Science and Technology Department has turned a blind eye towards the Pathani Samanta Planetarium which is the first planetarium of the state. The light and sound show based on Kharvala king was the most attractive show but it has been lying suspended since 2013 after its equipment was damaged during the disastrous cyclone Phailin.

While APJ Abdul Kalam Planetarium at Burla which was inaugurated by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on September 22 is attracting lots of visitors since its opening, the number of visitors at Pathani Samanta Planetarium is declining.

On being asked about the response of visitors at Burla Planetarium, Subhendu said, “The response is really overwhelming.  Every day, we run 14 shows and each show is running housefull.”