Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences; and MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh, laid the foundation stone of a state-of-the-art "Green" building at CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), describing it as possibly the first such eco-friendly research complex in Jammu.
The new Biological, Chemical and Quality Control & Quality Assurance (QCQA) block, sanctioned at an estimated cost of ₹54.55 crore, will complement the existing campus by providing advanced laboratory and support facilities for scientists and researchers. The complex will integrate non-fossil energy resources and modern infrastructure aligned with global standards, and is expected to be completed within 18 months.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister highlighted that the recent Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar conferred by the President of India upon the "Team Aroma Mission" under CSIR-IIIM is a national recognition of the "Purple Revolution" that originated in Jammu and Kashmir. He noted that large-scale lavender cultivation has generated sustainable livelihoods and positioned the region as a hub of aroma-based agri-economy.
Dr Singh said the enhanced facilities will strengthen India's pharmaceutical research and export capacity. Referring to drug abuse concerns, he also mentioned the institute’s Cannabis project under the PPP model aimed at exploring medicinal applications.
Director CSIR-IIIM Dr Zabeer Ahmed said the 7,500-square-metre complex will house advanced biological labs, natural product chemistry units and accredited QCQA facilities, along with conference halls and utilities, fostering cutting-edge research in modern drug discovery.
