Bhubaneswar, Odisha : Odisha Science and Technology Minister Krushna Chandra Patra conducted a high-level review today following the partial collapse of the boundary wall at Pathani Samanta Planetorium in Bhubaneswar. The review meeting, held this morning, included senior officials such as Department Secretary Chitra Arumugam and other administrative heads.
During the meeting, Minister Patra directed a dedicated team of officials to investigate the incident thoroughly and implement corrective measures immediately. He instructed that the damaged section of the wall be reconstructed without delay to ensure the safety of visitors and maintain the planetorium’s structural integrity.
Heavy rainfall yesterday caused a section of the planetorium’s southern boundary wall to collapse. Local residents highlighted the issue, prompting the minister to take prompt action to assess and address the damage.
The review meeting brought together key officials, including Additional Secretary Shivani Mahanty Pooja Mishra, Financial Advisor Vidyut Prabha Raut, Sunaram Murmu, Deputy Secretary Urmiprabha Maharana, Shubhranshu Shekhar Mishra, Deputy Director Shashikant Dash, and Deputy Secretary Pankaj Kumar Sahu.
The team discussed immediate repair work, preventive measures, and long-term monitoring strategies to prevent similar incidents. Minister Patra emphasized the importance of swift action to ensure the planetorium remains a safe, functional, and educational space for visitors, including students, researchers, and the general public.
Officials have been instructed to complete the wall reconstruction promptly and submit a detailed report on the cause of the damage. Additionally, preventive measures to safeguard the facility against future rainfall-related incidents are under review.
Minister Patra reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining the planetorium as a key scientific and cultural landmark in Bhubaneswar, ensuring it continues to serve as a center for education, research, and public engagement.
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