Home to a host of science and research institutes from National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) to Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad would soon get a ‘Science City’ at an estimated cost of Rs. 160 crore to spread awareness and develop scientific enquiry among students and the general public.

The Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) has come up with a proposal for setting up what would be the country’s largest science city, on an 85-acre site at Budvel in Rajendranagar mandal. It has selected IL&FS IDC in joint venture with Kothari Associates as consultants for the project.

The Youth Advancement, Tourism & Culture Department has in principle accorded approval for the proposal to avail Rs. 66 crore grant under the Science City Scheme guidelines of the Ministry of Culture. The Ministry seeks to promote science cities across the country in State capitals and major cities with a population of not less than 50 lakh.

“Once the government approval is received, foundation stone for the project would be laid and layout development work initiated,” said HMDA Commissioner Neerabh Kumar Prasad.

To be developed on public-private partnership (PPP) mode, the Hyderabad Science City would present the growth of science and technology and their applications in industry and human welfare. “The facility will seek to develop a sense of scientific enquiry not only among students, but also the general public,” an official said.

In association with the AP Council of Science and Technology and other experts, the HMDA has developed various themes that would be part of the Science City and these include a space station, earth pavilion, life sciences, I-Max 9D virtual reality, energy park, science and art.

The facility would also have a large planetarium and interactive multimedia on solar power and expositions related to subjects such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, breaking of glaciers and global warming.

With a focus on future technologies, the development of exhibits is proposed to be taken up with assistance of Creative Museum Designers, the consultancy wing of National Council for Science Museums and other national and international agencies.

Courtesy: The Hindu