India's first science village

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Guwahati, Mar 27 (UNI) Asom is all set to get the country's maiden "science village", complete with a botanical garden, planetarium, science museum, aquatic complex and bird sanctuary.

The village would be developed at Jamugurihat in Sonitpur district over an area of 75 acres, at a cost of Rs 10 crore, Gramya Jana Bigyan Manch (GJBM), an NGO which has taken up the project, informed.

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

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 trees, besides indigenous trees, plants and shrubs would be planted 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.

The science village would also have research facilities and boost tourism in the area besides increasing environmental awareness among the people.

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