Integrated master plan on science, eco-tourism and financial sustainability for Pilikula

Bengaluru: The Karnataka government is set to prepare a comprehensive master plan for the integrated development of Pilikula Nisargadhama in Mangaluru, with the tender process for preparing the plan likely to be initiated shortly, Science and Technology Minister Dr Ajay Dharma Singh said on Monday.

The proposed master plan will cover the optimum utilisation of the 339.90-acre Pilikula complex, upgrading existing facilities, creating new attractions, promoting science education and strengthening biodiversity and environmental conservation, he said.

Chairing a review meeting of the Science and Technology Department in Bengaluru, the minister said Pilikula had the land, natural resources and infrastructure to emerge as a major destination combining science, education, environment and tourism.

He directed officials to prepare a long-term plan covering the next 10 to 15 years instead of taking up development works in a fragmented manner.

The minister also asked officials to examine the potential for developing selected facilities under the public-private partnership (PPP) model and identify components that could be operated on a financially sustainable basis.

The proposed master plan should explore new science-based experiences, visitor facilities and attractions capable of drawing visitors from within and outside the country while ensuring that the character of Pilikula was preserved, he said.

Pilikula, located on the outskirts of Mangaluru, houses several institutions and attractions relating to science, nature, biodiversity and traditional culture.

During the meeting, Singh also directed officials to examine the feasibility of establishing a Science Gallery in the Kalyana Karnataka region to make science more accessible and experiential for students and the public.

Referring to Science Gallery Bengaluru, which is part of the global Science Gallery Network, he said a similar facility could be explored in Kalyana Karnataka, bringing together science, art and public engagement.

He also called for stronger linkages between Science Gallery Bengaluru, regional science centres and planetariums under the Science and Technology Department so that exhibitions, educational content and other science experiences could be shared among institutions.

Science centres across the state should function as a connected network rather than as isolated institutions, enabling students in different regions to access new exhibitions and learning opportunities on a continuing basis, he said.

The meeting was attended by Department Secretary N Manjula, former ISRO chairman A S Kiran Kumar, Karnataka Quantum Task Force chairman and IISc professor Arindam Ghosh, senior officials and heads of institutions under the department.

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