The public astronomy observatory located on the terrace of Junta House, Panaji is due for demolition and a casino is reportedly planned on the new building rooftop. The dedicated President Satish Naik efficiently expanding and managing the organization which is under the Department of Science, Technology and Waste Management is surprisingly made to run around to relocate this prestigious unique scientific institution with vast research and educational outreach including tourism. It runs eight astronomy centres across the state. Many tourists including foreigners and eminent scientists like Jayant Narlikar have praised this effort. The founder Percival Noronha four decades back with volunteers worked very hard to fund, obtain telescopes, equipment and build up this magnificent institution which Goa should be proud of. It is ridiculous to leave this matter to the vested interests and bureaucracy that offers a ground floor in some remote place to relocate. This matter requires the personal intervention of the Chief Minister who I am sure will want to get his government’s priorities right to promote Goa’s interests.
