The 3D theatre proposed to be set up at the Regional Science Centre (RSC) here has been hanging fire for more than a year due to inordinate delay in releasing the funds.
The Department of Science and Technology (DST) of Government of India had sanctioned Rs 60 lakh for the scientific equipment.
The Andhra Pradesh Council of Science and Technology (APCOST) was expected to raise money for construction of the theatre building and providing other amenities.
Appeals to local philanthropists for funding the theatre construction have so far not met with success and it is a similar issue with the DST.
The theatre is intended for screening scientific films and documentaries selected by Kolkata-based National Council for Science Museums which is also the provider of technology.
It is proposed to be constructed on the existing 5-acre RSC premises abutting Berm Park near Kummaripalem Centre and the fund crunch is apparently holding it back.
The theatre building is estimated to cost about Rs 20 lakh.
A 3D theatre at Warangal RSC is set to become a reality soon while the one at Vijayawada is yet to take shape in spite of several reminders to the officials concerned in the DST.
Meanwhile, the APCOST has got the proposed establishment of a new RSC at Rajahmundry cleared recently. It will be the fourth RSC in Andhra Pradesh.
There are RSCs at Vijayawada, Tirupati and Warangal.
Resource personsAnother problem pestering the RSC at Vijayawada is the lack of resource persons for more than a year-and-a-half.
The Education Department has to depute at least two science teachers for explaining about the exhibits to visitors but not even one was put on the temporary job.
The RSC has at present only administrative staff and unless it gets qualified resource persons the purpose of the centre will be defeated.
