Marine biotechnology park to come up near Mammalapuram

Deputy Chief Minister M K Stalin today said that the Tamil Nadu government has proposed to set up a Marine Bio-Technology Park near a famed tourist spot of Mahabalipuram.

"We have identified 300 acres near Mamallapuram to set up a Marine Bio-Technology Park," he said at a function here, but declined to divulge the financial details.

Stating that his government is determined to make Tamil Nadu a leading global biotechnology centre, he said the state is in the process of drafting a new biotechnology policy.

"Considering the need for a new policy to promote biotechnology, the government is in the process of drafting a new Biotech Policy,"he said after inaugurating the 'Roundtable on Biotechnology -The Development of Biotechnology and Its Enabled services - Vision 2020' organised by CII here.

He said the policy, recently discussed at the meeting of Tamil Nadu Manufacturing Competitive Council under his Chairmanship, would have many innovative features and assist in the growth of biotech industry in the state.

Stalin said the state is also in the process of setting up a Biotechnology Core Facility at TICEL BIO-PARK II at a cost of Rs 19.30 crore. The facility would provide scientific and incubation support to clients and Biotech industries, he said.

"We have to ensure that advances in biotechnology does not erode the genetic pool and the rich diversity in flora and fauna," he said.

He also stressed on the need for research and development activities in the field.