Sambalpur, Oct. 27: Burla is all set to get a planetarium by March next year. The Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (Idco) is constructing it.

“Hybrid technology will be used in the planetarium to expedite construction work,” said William Bilung, joint secretary of department of science and technology. The planetarium is being built at an estimated cost of Rs 5.60 crore.

“The technical committee has given its approval for the use of the technology. The government will float tender for the installation of the machine soon,” said Bilung.

The planetarium will have the capacity to accommodate about 170 to 180 people. Bilung said that a science park would also be developed near the planetarium.

“However, the work on the science park will begin after the planetarium starts functioning,” said Bilung.

“It is a good step. It will help students learn about solar system, terrestrial objects and space,” said Surya Naik, physics teacher of Sambalpur University.

“Burla town is considered to be the education hub of the west Odisha. The decision to set up a planetarium is praiseworthy. It will be a place where students can learn about astronomical objects,” said Binaya Mohapatra, a local resident.

“Tourists from across the state visit Burla to see the Hirakud Dam, Zero Point and the Jawahar Minar. The planetarium will be an added attraction. This will also help attract more tourists to this place,” said Dhananjaya Satpathy, another resident of Burla town.