Bhubaneswar, Sept. 19: Pathani Samanta Planetarium has enjoyed its share of luck, but the astronomy park on its premises didn’t.

The planetarium was thrown open to public after renovation in May this year, but the astronomy park, which was inaugurated in May 2006 by chief minister Naveen Patnaik, has been wallowing in neglect for a long time.

Built over 2.5 acres for Rs 18 lakh, the park was designed to impart astronomical knowledge to visitors, especially schoolchildren.

Several working scientific models that dot the park attract visitors. However, most of these models are damaged and need renovation. Some of the models of planets that are shown to be moving around the Sun are missing from the orbit. The write-ups that explain the models are also hardly visible.

Similarly, several working models related to perception of vision, see-through wall, illusion and sound lie damaged.

Though the astronomy park also has pavements and lighting facilities, but with bushes around the area has become unsafe for visitors

“When we went to the planetarium to watch a show today, we got to know that we will have to wait for about half-an-hour for it to start. So, we decided to take a stroll around the park, but its poor maintenance shocked us. Various models installed there are not in proper condition. Bushes in the park also made it difficult for us to walk,” said Sujata Nanda, a visitor from Sambalpur.

The planetarium, which was closed since August 8 last year for renovation, was thrown open to public on May 29 this year. The renovation work included installation of digital planetarium equipment, seats and air-conditioners and floor makeover. The renovation cost was estimated at Rs 6.5 crore. But, the authorities showed little concern to renovate the astronomy park that draws about 20,000 visitors a year.

“If the authorities could shut down the planetarium for about a year for renovation work, they could also have renovated the park during that time. The park can help kids generate interest about astronomy,” said Pitabas Sahu, a visitor from Berhampur.

However, sources in the planetarium said that some of the models installed at the park needed to be either replaced or renovated.

“We have already prepared a budget for the park’s renovation and it will start after the rainy season,” said an official of the planetarium.

The authorities are also planning to set up an exhibition hall with an interpretation centre at the park. The proposed centre will have various scientific working models.

“We have already sent a proposal in this regard to the department of science and technology. Once we get their approval, the construction will start,” said the officer.

The new digital planetarium equipment, which replaced the 22-year-old equipment there, was installed at a cost of Rs 5.5 crore.

The new digital equipment is capable of projecting 3D motion pictures and the latest information in astronomy and space science. Another Rs 1 crore was spent to replace the seats, auditorium floor and install new air-conditioners.

The planetarium’s sitting capacity has also been increased from 140-180.