Kolkata-based Emami group, which is enhancing its presence in ayurvedic sector, has signed an MoU with the Uttarakhand government for setting up the first ‘ayush gram’ at Bhawali sanatorium in Kumaon region under the PPP mode.
The MoU came after the company won the contract for ayush gram through open bidding route. After the rejection of a couple of bids on technical grounds two months ago, Emami, which has formed a consortium with a Rishikesh-based ashram and a hotel company, was left the sole bidder as its both financial and technical bids were found valid.
Nestled in the sylvan surroundings of Kumaon hills in Nainital district, the 358-bed sanatorium, established in 1912, is now working with only one doctor. But after the signing of the agreement, the government has made its intention that it was sincere in implementing the project. The government is giving a total of 10 acres of the sanatorium’s land for the purpose of developing ayush gram, a dream project of Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank.
An ayush gram will have a hospital, a wellness centre, a hotel, a herbal garden, a yoga centre, a drug manufacturing unit and pharmacy among various other features.
The herbal garden which would be set up at 1200 sq metre area will also have a specialised research centre to focus on the local herbs and medicinal plants. In the herbal garden, there will be a provision for training and skill development facilities for local people in order to create new employment and business opportunities.
An innovative hospital complete with all the five features of AYUSH ie Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy would be established.
According to government sources, an investment of a minimum of Rs 50 crore is proposed the project and all the 13 districts of the state will have an ayush gram each with government already identifying land at Champawat and Pithoragarh districts also.
Uttarakhand Ayush Director Puja Bhardwaj exchanging papers with Emami CEO N Venkat (right) after signing an MOU on ayush gram at Bhawali. Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank is at the centre
