Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 28: Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha and former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Ghulam Nabi Azad has reiterated his demand for immediately commencing work on the National Institute of Medicinal Plants (NIMP) at Bhaderwah in Doda district of this State.
In a letter written to Minister of State with Independent Charge, Department of AYUSH, Government of India, Shripad Naik, Azad invited attention of the Minister to his earlier letter written to him on February 8, 2015 on the setting up of the Institute in Bhaderwah.
“I was told at that time that the setting up of the Institute is being actively processed by the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) of the AYUSH Ministry and that a Central team will soon visit Bhaderwah for on spot assessment of the ground realities for setting up the Institute.
“I believe that the site inspection must have been carried out by now to initiate the process of raising infrastructure for early establishment of the said institute,” Azad said.
Azad said he would also like to make it clear that the entire Chenab valley sub-region is home to more than 40% forest wealth of J&K State, besides having conducive climate and topography to host an apex level institute like the one mentioned above. “As such, the setting up of the proposed institute will stimulate undertaking of high quality research, in addition to achievement of optimal outcomes in tune with the objectives laid down for the said institute.”
Azad said: “though it is not my intention to speculate, yet a perception is gaining ground that the inordinate delay in taking up the execution of the project is a deliberate and motivated attempt on the part of certain vested interests to shift the location of the institute from Bhaderwah to some other part of the country. Any cold-shouldering at this stage will not only defeat the very essence of the project, but will also create anxiety and unrest in the State.”
He pointed out that the setting up of the proposed institute will spur generation of employment at the mass scale not only in the State of Jammu & Kashmir but will throw up unlimited opportunities to showcase the advantage of India at global level in the medicinal plant sector.
“As a consequence, thousands and thousands of families across the country will be able to explore employment and earn livelihood in the medicinal plant sector.” he said.
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