Chitwan, Aug 18 : A foundation stone has been laid for the construction of a Bio Safety Level (BSL) Plus Two laboratory at Rampur-based Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU).
Chief Minister of Bagmati Province
Rajendra Prasad Pandey laid the foundation stone of a special laboratory amidst
a program at Rampur in Chitwan on Wednesday.
On the occasion, he said the
construction of a high-tech level laboratory was not only for research and study
but also as part of early preparedness to deal with pandemics such as
COVID-19.
Chief Minister Pandey further
claimed the laboratory being constructed outside the valley for the first time
would enhance the capacity and image of the university.
Sharing that the Bagmati Province
was making preparation for the establishment of the Science and Technology
University, CM Pandey said, "In order to carry out relevant research and
study, the Science and Technology University would collaborate with the
AFU".
He pointed out the need of
developing robust research institutions within the Universities.
AFU vice-chancellor Prof Dr. Punya
Prasad Regmi urged three tiers of the governments to extend cooperation in
expanding the research and outreach capacity of the University- the only
specialized university in the country in the technology sector.
AFU Registrar Prof Dr. Sharada
Tahpaliya shared that the lab is to be constructed on the premises of the University
at the cost of rs 160 million with the financial assistance of the Ministry of
Agriculture and Livestock Development Bagmati Province.