The first Science City of Assam was inaugurated at Tepesia in Sonapur near Guwahati by the Chief Minister. The facility aims to promote scientific awareness, innovation, and curiosity among students in Assam and the Northeast region.

About Science City Guwahati

• Science City Guwahati is the first large-scale science education and public science communication centre in Assam.
• The project is located at Tepesia in Sonapur on the outskirts of Guwahati.
• It is spread across about 82 acres (around 250 bighas) of land.
• The total project cost is around ₹300 crore, with ₹144 crore contributed by the Central Government.

Implementing Agencies

• Developed under the Scheme for Promotion of Culture of Science of the Ministry of Culture.
• Jointly implemented by:
  • National Council of Science Museums
  • Science and Technology Department of the Government of Assam

Key Features of the Science City

The facility has been designed to create interactive learning experiences and inspire curiosity in science.

Major attractions include:

• Eureka Pavilion – interactive exhibits demonstrating scientific concepts.
• Space Odyssey Gallery – exhibits on astronomy, space exploration, and planetary science.
• Science Discovery Centre – planned for hands-on learning and innovation.
• Science Park – an outdoor scientific learning space with interactive installations.

The Science City is expected to become a regional hub for science education in Northeast India.

Expansion of Science Education Infrastructure

Along with the inauguration of the Science City, five district-level Science Centres were also launched in: Bongaigaon, Dadara (Amingaon), Kaliabor, Majuli and Silchar.

These centres include science galleries, digital planetariums, and educational auditoriums.

Importance of the Initiative

The project aims to strengthen scientific temper and research culture, which is a constitutional duty under Article 51A(h) of the Constitution of India.

Expected benefits include:

• Encouraging students to pursue science and research careers.
• Promoting scientific thinking and innovation among youth.
• Supporting science education in the Northeast region.
• Creating awareness about topics such as space science, climate change, and technology.

Despite the presence of premier institutions like Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Indian Institute of Management Shillong, and the Rain Forest Research Institute, the participation of students from Assam in national scientific organisations remains relatively low. The Science City aims to bridge this gap.

Exam Hook

Statement Based Question

Consider the following statements regarding Science City Guwahati:

1. It has been developed under the Scheme for Promotion of Culture of Science of the Ministry of Culture.
2. The project is implemented jointly by the National Council of Science Museums and the Government of Assam.
3. It is the first Science City established in the Northeast region of India.

Which of the above statements are correct?

A. 1 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

One-Line Wrap

The Science City Guwahati represents a major step toward promoting scientific temper, innovation, and science education in Assam and the wider Northeast region.

Source