Union minister of state for science and technology Y S Choudhary today laid the foundation stone for the regional centre of National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) here.
The centre, to be built at Rushikonda on Visakhpatnam-Bheemili beach road, is only the third such facility after Cochin and Mumbai.
Addressing a gathering on the occasion, Choudhary said the Centre is according priority to science and research in the country.
There are 38 CISR institutions in the country and three NIO regional centres, including the upcoming one, he said.
Choudhary told reporters the Central government was planning to establish 'science cities' and 'science centres' in all states and a blue print for the purpose will be ready within three months.
The minister said Andhra Pradesh was bifurcated in a scientific manner, as a result of which several research centres are concentrated in new Telangana state.
He said Andhra Pradesh will get modern scientific institutions in future.
Responding to a query, the minister said Union government will provide all facilities and benefits like special status and funds for truncated Andhra Pradesh as stated in the AP Reorganisation Act.
Speaking on the occasion, state HRD minister Ganta Srinivasa Rao appealed to NIO scientists to conduct study to stop coastal erosion at Ramakrishna beach which is an important tourist destination.
He said the state government in collaboration with Centre will take measures to stop erosion in coastal areas of Visakhapatnam.
Visakhapatnam MP K Haribabu urged the union minister to establish a biotechnology innovation park in the city.
