Chandigarh's celestial leap: A planetarium to light up Sec 53
2
Chandigarh: In a city known for its meticulous planning and modernist architecture, Chandigarh is now preparing to add a new feather to its cap — a state-of-the-art planetarium, the first of its kind in the Tricity region.
Designed to simulate the night sky on a domed ceiling, this futuristic facility will serve as both an educational hub and a space for public engagement with astronomy and space science.
The planetarium is set to rise on a two-acre plot in Sector 53, recently vacated following the demolition of the iconic Furniture Market that once lined the Sector 53/54 dividing road. With its glass ceiling, immersive screen, and ultra-modern design, the structure promises to be a visual and intellectual landmark, offering visitors a chance to explore the cosmos without leaving the city.
According to sources in the Chandigarh administration, the planetarium will feature multiple educational components focused on astronomy and space science. "It will be an attractive building with glass architecture and cutting-edge equipment. The location, surrounded by greenery and free from major constructions except a nearby Gurudwara, will lend it a serene and natural ambiance," an official said.
While the planetarium will occupy the Sector 53 side, the land on the opposite side — Sector 54 — is earmarked for commercial development under Transit-Oriented Development (TOD).
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Live Comfortably: 60m2 prefabricated bungalow for the elderly in Kuta
Pre Fabricated Homes | Search Ads
Search Now
Undo
by Taboola
by Taboola
Additionally, a significant portion of the reclaimed land belongs to the Chandigarh Housing Board (CHB), which plans to develop a housing society there in the future.
To safeguard the newly vacated land, the engineering department has begun fencing the area with concrete poles and iron wiring. The estate office is also maintaining strict vigilance to prevent any further encroachments and ensure the land is used strictly according to the city's development blueprint.
Cycle track on Sec 53/54 road
In a complementary move, the administration has also kickstarted the construction of a dedicated cycle track along the Sector 53/54 dividing road. This project, long delayed due to encroachments by market shopkeepers, is now finally underway. "The plan was ready, and the work allotted earlier, but couldn't be executed. With the land now cleared, construction has begun under the supervision of senior engineering officials," an official confirmed.
Prime land unlocked
The demolition of the furniture market has not only cleared space for new development but also unlocked 10–12 acres of prime urban land, estimated to be worth Rs 400 crore. Chandigarh deputy commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav emphasized the importance of preserving the city's planned character. "I urge all citizens to refrain from unauthorized occupation of public land. Initiatives like this are essential for Chandigarh's holistic development and ensure public resources serve the greater good," he said after the demolition of the furniture market.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Solar Eclipse 2025: Date, time, viewing locations, and everything you need to know about September's rare event
Skywatchers and astronomy enthusiasts are set for a celestial event on September 21, 2025, when a partial solar eclipse will grace the skies of the Southern Hemisphere. Solar eclipses occur when the Moon aligns between the Earth and the Sun, partially or fully blocking sunlight. While this particular event will not be visible from India, it will offer breathtaking views for observers in New Zealand, eastern Australia, the Pacific Islands, and Antarctica. Besides its visual spectacle, the event holds scientific significance for studying solar activity and atmospheric changes. The September 21, 2025, partial solar eclipse may not plunge the sky into total darkness, but it promises a spectacular crescent Sun for viewers in the Southern Hemisphere. For photographers, researchers, and skywatchers, it offers an opportunity to witness celestial mechanics in action. With multiple eclipses lined up through 2026 and 2027, including one visible in India, now is the perfect time to prepare your eclipse glasses and mark your calendars. What is a solar eclipse and why it happens A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon's orbit places it directly between Earth and the Sun, casting its shadow on Earth's surface. Depending on the observer's location and the Moon's position, eclipses appear as: by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Enjoy 100% Pure New Zealand and fly Air New Zealand Fly Air New Zealand Undo Partial: The Moon covers only part of the Sun, creating a crescent effect. Total: The Sun is completely covered, briefly turning day into night. Annular: The Moon appears smaller and doesn't cover the Sun entirely, creating a 'ring of fire.' The September 2025 event will be a partial solar eclipse, making the Sun appear as a luminous crescent for viewers in its visibility path. Solar Eclipse 2025: Date, timings, and duration of the eclipse The September eclipse will unfold over four hours and 24 minutes, with peak visibility depending on geographic location. Date: Sunday, September 21, 2025 Start Time: 17:29 UTC (10:59 PM IST) Maximum Eclipse: 19:41 UTC (1:11 AM IST, September 22) End Time: 21:53 UTC (3:23 AM IST, September 22) Total Duration: 4 hours 24 minutes Where can you see the September 2025 solar eclipse The partial eclipse will be visible primarily in the Southern Hemisphere: New Zealand: Cities like Wellington and Christchurch will experience a substantial portion of the Sun being covered, offering ideal skywatching conditions. Eastern Australia: Sydney and Brisbane will witness a smaller magnitude eclipse but still a remarkable view. Pacific Islands: Islands across the South Pacific will have high-quality viewing opportunities due to minimal light pollution. Antarctica: Scientists stationed there will enjoy unobstructed views under pristine atmospheric conditions. Will the September 21, 2025 partial solar eclipse be visible in India The partial solar eclipse on September 21, 2025, will primarily be visible in the Southern Hemisphere, including New Zealand, eastern Australia, the Pacific Islands, and Antarctica. Unfortunately, this celestial event will not be visible from India due to the Earth's rotation and the eclipse's geographic path. Indian skywatchers will have to wait for upcoming eclipses, such as the total solar eclipse on August 2, 2027, which will be visible across parts of India and several other regions. Meanwhile, enthusiasts in India can follow live streams or use virtual tools to witness the event remotely. How scientists, photographers, and travellers benefit from partial eclipses Although partial eclipses do not create total darkness, they offer unique opportunities for photographers, researchers, and travelers: For scientists: They study atmospheric temperature drops, animal behavior, and light scattering. For photographers: The crescent-shaped Sun creates dramatic compositions with proper filters. For travellers: Combining astronomy tourism with scenic regions like New Zealand and Australia makes the experience memorable. Other upcoming solar eclipses to mark your calendar The September 2025 eclipse is just one of several notable events coming up: Annular Solar Eclipse – February 17, 2026 Type: Annular ('Ring of Fire') Visible From: Africa, South America, and Antarctica Total Solar Eclipse – August 12, 2026 Type: Total Eclipse Visible From: Greenland, Iceland, Russia, Portugal, Spain Annular Solar Eclipse – February 6, 2027 Type: Annular Eclipse Visible From: Africa, South America, and Antarctica Total Solar Eclipse – August 2, 2027 Type: Total Eclipse (Significant for India) Visible From: India, Africa, Europe, and parts of Asia Safety tips for viewing the eclipse Use solar viewing glasses: Only certified eclipse glasses or solar filters protect eyes from harmful rays. Avoid regular sunglasses: They do not provide adequate protection. Pinhole projectors and live streams: Ideal for indirect and safe viewing at home. Photography precautions: Use solar filters for cameras and telescopes to avoid sensor and lens damage. Solar Eclipse 2025 related FAQs 1. What time will the partial solar eclipse occur on September 21, 2025? The eclipse will start at 17:29 UTC and end at 21:53 UTC, with maximum coverage at 19:41 UTC. 2. Where will the eclipse be visible? It will be visible mainly in New Zealand, eastern Australia, the Pacific Islands, and Antarctica. 3. Will this eclipse cause total darkness? No, it's a partial eclipse, so the Sun will appear as a crescent, not completely dark. 4. Is it safe to view the eclipse with regular sunglasses? No, only certified solar viewing glasses or filters should be used for safe viewing. 5. When is the next solar eclipse visible from India? The next significant eclipse visible in India is the total solar eclipse on August 2, 2027. Also Read | NASA proves growing plants in space is key to healthy astronaut life on Mars missions and deep space travel
NDTV
an hour ago
- NDTV
Gurukul Students To Get Research Opportunities In IITs, Scholarships Up To Rs 2 Lakh
New Delhi: The Ministry of Education, in partnership with the Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) division of the Central Sanskrit University, has launched the Setubandha Scholar Scheme - a major initiative aimed at integrating Gurukul-trained students into mainstream academia. The scheme will enable meritorious students from traditional Indian education systems to pursue formal postgraduate and PhD degrees, including at leading institutions like the IITs. Selected scholars will receive monthly scholarships starting from Rs 40,000. Postgraduate students will be eligible for scholarships of up to Rs 1 lakh, while PhD candidates may receive up to Rs 2 lakh. All degrees will be conferred by the Central Sanskrit University. According to Professor Srinivasa Varkhedi, Vice-Chancellor of Central Sanskrit University, this scheme will serve as a bridge between the ancient Gurukul tradition and modern research. "It will provide recognition to traditional scholars and unlock new paths for academic innovation." The move is seen as a significant step in reviving Indian Knowledge Systems and mainstreaming traditional expertise within the formal education ecosystem. Eligibility Criteria: Maximum age: 32 years Minimum 5 years of study under a traditional Guru or in a Gurukul No formal degree required Must demonstrate excellence in traditional or classical knowledge Applications open until August 15 Research Opportunities Are Available In These 18 Disciplines At IITs: Anvikshiki Vidya Vedic Philosophy and Cognitive Science Language and Vak Analysis - Linguistics and Grammar History and Civilization Studies - Indian History and Culture Dharmashastra and Secular Law- Religion, Society, and Law Politics and Economics - Political and Strategic Studies Mathematics, Physics & Jyotisha - Math, Physics, and Astrology Medicine and Health Science - Ayurveda and Health Sciences Substance, Quality & Combination Science - Chemistry, Medicine, and Nutrition Agriculture and Animal Husbandry - Traditional Agricultural Practices Architecture and Construction Science - Vastu and Engineering Rasa-Metal Science - Chemistry and Metallurgy Mechanical and New Engineering - Mechanics and Digital Engineering Gandharva Vidya - Theatre, Music, and Performing Arts Sculpture and Visual Arts - Fine Arts and Iconography Ornamental and Decorative Arts - Fashion and Interior Design Educational and Recreational Studies - Education and Entertainment Veda-Vedanga and Philosophy - Vedas and Indian Philosophy Dandaniti Vidya - Governance and Jurisprudence Professor Varkhedi emphasised that this scheme is not just about awarding degrees it is a historic effort to restore India's ancient knowledge systems to the global research arena.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Govt throws open IITs for students from gurukuls; offers fellowships of upto ₹65k a month in 18 fields
NEW DELHI: Students who have studied in traditional gurukuls, even without formal academic degrees, will now have the opportunity to earn recognised qualifications and receive generous scholarships for research at premier IITs. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The move marks a major shift in India's education policy, opening up elite research pathways for scholars from non-formal backgrounds rooted in classical learning. The initiative, titled 'Setubandha Vidwan Yojana', aims to bridge India's age-old gurukul tradition with modern scientific and academic inquiry. Backed by the ministry of education and implemented by the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) division of the Central Sanskrit University (CSU), the scheme offers fellowships of up to Rs 65,000 per month across 18 interdisciplinary fields — from ayurveda to cognitive science, andarchitecture to political theory, grammar to strategic studies, performing arts to mathematics, physics, and health sciences. 'Setubandha is the first national-level programme to formally integrate traditional scholars into the research ecosystem of IITs, without insisting on conventional degrees. Instead, eligibility is based on a minimum of five years of rigorous study in a recognised gurukul and demonstrable excellence in Shastras or traditional knowledge,' said a senior MoE official. The maximum age to apply is 32 years. Scholars selected under Category 1 (equivalent to postgraduate level) will receive a monthly fellowship of Rs 40,000 and an annual research grant of Rs 1 lakh. Those under Category 2 (equivalent to PhD level) will be awarded Rs 65,000 monthly and an annual grant of Rs 2 lakh. Some of the recognised research areas include Anvikshiki Vidya (philosophy and cognitive science), Ganit-Bhaut-Jyotish Vidya (mathematics, physics, astronomy), and Bhaishajya and Arogya Vidya (Ayurveda and health sciences). The scheme marks a significant institutional recognition of traditional knowledge systems, which for decades have operated outside formal academic structures. The NEP 2020 explicitly calls for the integration of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) into mainstream curricula and research, encouraging cross-disciplinary studies rooted in the country's intellectual heritage. With increasing global interest in ayurveda, yoga, Sanskrit linguistics, and indigenous governance systems, the govt sees this initiative as a way to empower traditional scholars and harness centuries-old wisdom for modern applications in science, technology, and social policy.
