Aviation gallery in Pune remains shut ever since its inauguration in 2020
By: Pune Pulse
August 9, 2023
Pune: When considering enjoyable places for a leisurely stroll with kids in Pune, names like Shaniwarwada, Sarasbaug, Peshwe Park, or the Katraj Zoo readily come to mind. Yet, concealed from the typical attractions, the ‘Sarsanghchalak Balasaheb Deoras Aviation Gallery’ stands in quietude, its entrance firmly sealed. Despite its potential to offer priceless insights into the global aviation landscape, the gallery remains inaccessible, with neither the aviation sector nor its affiliated organizations taking the initiative to lead. Consequently, a gallery that was initially envisioned at a cost of 12 crores now languishes in the shadows of obscurity.
As per information, dubbed the sole ‘Aviation Gallery’ in the country under the auspices of the Municipal Corporation, this unique institution was inaugurated in March 2020 by the then Guardian Minister Chandrakant Patil and the former Leader of Opposition, Ajit Pawar. However, the onset of the pandemic saw the municipal administration inadvertently turn a blind eye to its existence.
This gallery has aimed to impart scientific knowledge about airplanes to students across Pune’s schools and colleges. Envisaged an exhibit showcasing airplanes, real aircraft, helicopter models, drones, aeromodelling, paramotoring, and space science.
Initially, the PMC proposed an entry fee of Rs. 25 for students and Rs. 50 for adults. However, amid opposition, it was decided to reduce the ticket prices to Rs 10 for students and Rs 25 for adults. Unfortunately, even this scaled-down cost proved untenable, prompting no players from the aviation sector or associated entities to step forward and manage the gallery.
When Pune Pulse spoke to the PMC officials Chetna Kerure, Mahesh Patil and Harshada Shinde each of them shrugged to speak about the issue and didnt reveal any detail about the non functional aviation gallery.
The first floor of the gallery traces the history of aircraft, boasts a science room, and showcases models from across the globe.
The second floor showcases aircraft, helicopters, drones, and airport models while delving into the history of the Indian Air Force.
The third floor features exhibits on aeromodelling, paramotoring, and space science.
The PMC keeps shifting the responsibility of maintaining and operating the Aviation Gallery from one department to another.
Shreyas Vange
