SAMBALPUR: The Sambalpur Municipal Corporation (SMC) has put work on Science and Evolution parks inside Planetarium Complex at Burla here on fast track.
Both the parks are being developed over an area of two acres at an estimated cost of `2.59 crore. The SMC has provided funds for the project. Work on the parks began in the last week of May and the civic body has set a target to complete the project by September.Civil work including landscaping, pathway, peripheral drain besides water supply and lighting for both the parks is going on in full swing.
Besides, gadgets/models for both the parks will be installed by a Chennai-based firm. Models for the Evolution park have already arrived and will be installed shortly. At least 86 gadgets/models including Loop the Loop, Floating Bird, Pascal Law, Play with Magnet, Centre of Gravity Doll, Hydro Electric Power Plant, Automobile Working model, Solar Powered Radio and DNA model will be installed in the Science park.
Similarly, 31 models including Smilodon, Ankylosaurus, Diatryma, Corythosaurus, Glyptodon, Neanderthal Man, Archaeopteryx and Motorised Dinosaur will be set up in Evolution Park.
These apart, a gigantic structure of a dinosaur with a height of 18 feet will come up at the entrance. The length and width of the dinosaur will be 36 feet and eight feet respectively. The complete structure will be made up of weatherproof fibre-reinforced polymer with a skeleton of metal structure. An artistic touch will be given to the outer surface to attract visitors.
Both the parks will be an added attraction for people visiting the planetarium which will be made operational shortly. Almost all work on the planetarium has been completed and its trial run will be held within a fortnight.
SMC Commissioner Bimalendu Rai said they had set a target to complete both the parks by July. However, the advent of monsoon affected the pace of work. The parks would be completed before September, he added.
Civic body to beautify Ghanteswari shrine
Sambalpur: Ghanteswari Pitha, one of the seven tourist destinations in the district, will be beautified. Collector Samarth Verma said a children’s park will be developed at the Ghanteswari Pitha and the premises would be landscaped. The Sambalpur Municipal Corporation (SMC) has sanctioned `28 lakhs for the beatification works. This apart, development of ghat of river Mahanadi flowing along the temple, construction of pathway, benches and toilets besides, installation of decorative lights will be undertaken. Work would be completed within two months. The temple is situated near Chiplima Hydro Electric Power Station, about 33 kms away from Sambalpur on the bank of river Mahanadi. The prime attraction of the temple is innumerable bells of different sizes and shapes. As the name signifies, the temple has derived its name from Ghanti (brass bell) which is offered to the presiding deity to fulfil wishes. The temple attracts tourists from across the State besides neighbouring Chhattisgarh and West Bengal.