The department of science and technology will develop a model planetarium-cum-scie-nce museum each in Darbhanga and Gaya, which would serve as iconic centres of learning of astronomy and entertain the masses as well.

The model planetarium in Darbhanga would be spread over an area of 3 acre. The building construction department would finalise the design of the architecture for the proposed museum by July 15, after which a corresponding proposal would be sent to the department of science and technology.

“The department has started the process to select firm(s), which would prepare the design for the proposed model planetarium-cum-science mu-seum in Darbhanga. Land has been identified and the intending firms have been asked to submit their concept design by July 15. Thereafter, the selected design, along with the cost component, would be sent to the department of science and technology,” said a senior construction department officer.

Arun Kumar Singh, the principal secretary of the department of science and technology, said chief minister Nitish Kumar has approved the preliminary proposal for both the museums.

“To boost scientific learning, along with entertainment among the masses, the Bihar Council of Science and Technology, headed by the chief minister, has approved development of the model planetarium-cum-science museum in Darbhanga as well as in Gaya,” he said.

“At present, the construction department has been entrusted with the task of getting the detailed project reports of the proposed planetariums in Darbhanga and Gaya prepared by architect(s),” Singh added.

He further said the approval from the cabinet for the project would not be required because the project cost would not be above Rs 20 crore.