Goa’s only public observatory is unlikely to reopen for visitors this year after the planned demolition of Junta House forced its equipment into temporary storage at an unfinished government building in St Inez, Panaji. The disruption has left the Association of the Friends of Astronomy (AFA), which runs the facility, without a functional observatory or a regular workplace for its staff and volunteers.
The observatory operated from Junta House, where it hosted public viewing sessions and astronomy-related activities. Its relocation followed the impending demolition of the building. AFA president Satish Nayak told the Times of India that the equipment had been shifted to two rooms on the ground floor of the St Inez building because no suitable alternative site was available.
The four-storey government building is not ready for observatory operations, according to Nayak. Electricity, water supply, lift facilities and other interior works are still pending. The terrace, which had initially been discussed as a possible location for the observatory, has also been covered with a shed. This has made it impossible to install the observatory dome there at present.
The equipment placed in temporary storage includes a 14-inch Celestron telescope valued at more than Rs 15 lakh. A 10-inch astrograph used to photograph galaxies and other celestial objects, valued at about Rs 10 lakh, has also been moved. The instruments are now being kept in rooms that were not identified as a completed or operational replacement facility for the observatory.
Some large glass display cases and other delicate installations remain at Junta House because their removal has become difficult after the building’s lift was disconnected. Nayak said access to the premises was restricted during the shifting process, forcing the AFA to approach the Public Works Department’s principal chief engineer for access. The association was eventually provided with a duplicate key to retrieve its belongings.
The move has also affected the organisation’s day-to-day functioning. According to Nayak, AFA staff and volunteers no longer have a regular workplace, while internet connectivity and other basic facilities are unavailable at the St Inez building. The association depends on continuous public activity to attract students, members and visitors, making a functioning location central to its outreach work.
The observatory traditionally reopens to the public on November 14 each year. AFA has said that operations are unlikely to resume this year unless an alternative site is found. The association has sought an appointment with the chief minister to request an alternative arrangement.
The immediate issue is therefore not only the movement of telescopes, but the absence of a ready public facility capable of housing specialised equipment and continuing the observatory’s educational activities. Until a replacement location and the necessary infrastructure are identified, Goa’s only public astronomical observatory will remain without a functional home.