Asom to get country's first science village

Guwahati, Mar 27: The country's maiden 'science village' will soon be coming up in Asom's Sonitpur district with a Gramya Jana Bigyan Manch (GJBM), an NGO taking up the project.

The village would be developed at Jamugurihat, sprawling over 75 acres, land for which had already been allotted.

The entire project would cost an estimated Rs 10 crore, with the GJBM also taking the responsibility of raising the money, a GJBM spokesperson informed.

Noted scientist Dr Kshiradhar Barua, the chief of the NGO, is actively pursuing the project to popularise science and encouraging scientific temper among the rural masses.

Prof Jaspal and National Knowledge Commission vice-chairman P M Bhargav are the technical advisors of the project.

The first phase of project is expected to be completed during this year. This phase would include setting up of a botanical garden and a planetarium.

Various medicinal plants and commercial tress, besides indigenous trees, plants and shrubs would be planted and nurtured in the garden. A total of Rs 50 lakh has been earmarked for the first phase.

The second phase would include development of a science museum, heritage park, library, auditorium, children park and laboratory at an estimated cost of Rs two crore.

An aquatic complex and bird sanctuary would also form a part of the science village, to be developed at a cost of Rs 50 lakh.

While the science village would cater to the young minds in helping evolve a scientific bent and attract them to the domain of science, it would also have research facilities, the GJBM spokesperson said.

The science village is also expected to give a boost to tourism in the area as well as increase environmental awareness among the people.

UNI