Agartala, Sep 10 (IANS): A science village is set to come up in Tripura to popularise scientific concepts in rural areas of the northeastern region.

The project at Nimbark village, 10 km from here, will have a planetarium, a botanical garden, a bird sanctuary, heritage and theme parks, a labratory, a museum and a library.

The state government has sought Rs.66 crore from the union Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar told IANS.

He said 13 acres had been allotted for the project and work would start soon.

"Without spreading modern science, how can the new generation be familiar with the world?" Sarkar asked.

The project's nodal authority is the Tripura State Council for Science and Technology (TSCST), a part of the Science, Technology and Environment Department.

TSCST will manage the science village and turn it into a regional science hub. The National Council of Science Museums under the Ministry of Culture is supporting the project.

The project will be completed over four years in two phases. The first phase will to be ready in 33 months.

"The project seeks to develop scientific awareness among the people," Science and Environment Minister Joy Gobinda Deb Roy told IANS.

He said it would help people learn about scientific works through recreational and playing activities and also promote research work.

The project will also contribute towards generating employment and promoting eco-tourism, he said.

TSCST secretary Mihir Lal Roy said the Vigyan Gram was expected to attract students and science enthusiasts from Bangladesh, with India planning to improve connectivity with the neighbouring country.

Roy said the Vigyan Gram would be an integrated approach towards free-choice learning of science.

He said the objectives was to grow, nurture and stimulate a culture of science and develop a scientific temper among the people in the northeastern region and promote innovative and experimental activities through a hands-on learning process.