Pune’s Rural Education Set for a Leap: Zilla Parishad Plans Two Modern Science Parks, Site Selection Begins in Five Villages
Pune, 19th November 2025: In a move that could redefine how rural students experience science, the Pune Zilla Parishad has launched an ambitious plan to build two full-fledged Science Parks in the district. The project, backed by ₹20 crore in CSR funding, aims to bring cutting-edge, hands-on scientific learning to schoolchildren by creating open, interactive learning campuses on large eco-friendly sites.
Officials have already surveyed land in five villages and are now shortlisting two locations based on road access, connectivity and proximity to nearby schools.
The Science Parks are inspired by the Bengaluru-based Agastya Foundation model, which Zilla Parishad officials recently visited to study best practices in experiential science education. Each park will spread across 10 to 25 acres, featuring open-air learning spaces, activity zones and essential structures designed to spark curiosity. Construction is targeted for completion within eight months of site finalisation.
A key feature of the initiative is a three-day residential learning programme, where students will explore activity-based modules designed to strengthen fundamental scientific concepts. For the first five years, experts from the Agastya Foundation will train local teachers and guide content development before transferring full operational control to the Zilla Parishad.
According to Pune Zilla Parishad CEO Gajanan Patil, “These Science Parks will follow the Bengaluru model in collaboration with the Agastya Foundation so students naturally develop a love for science. We have inspected sites in five villages, and local sarpanches have shown readiness. Final selection will be based on connectivity and availability of nearby schools.”
An MoU has already been signed with the Foundation for academic and technical support.
The Pune Zilla Parishad has identified five villages—Tandulwadi, Karhati, Dive, Rase and Golegaon—for land surveys as part of its plan to set up two major Science Parks in the district. Each park will require 10 to 25 acres of land, with the first phase of the project estimated to cost ₹20 crore, funded through ₹10 crore CSR contributions per park. The proposed facilities are expected to accommodate 600 to 700 students daily, offering free entry to ZP school students and nominal fees for those from private schools. Future expansion under Phase 2 includes developing a planetarium, a science museum and advanced experimental classrooms, along with a residential arrangement that will allow participating students to stay for three days as part of the experiential learning programme.
