Pynursla, Nov. 17: A garden to preserve different species of medicinal plants has been created and named after former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam in a remote village in Meghalaya, along the Indo-Bangladesh border.

The garden, known as Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Herbal Garden, is located at Siatbakon village in the East Khasi Hills, on a land measuring over 10 acres, close to the border with Bangladesh.

Meghalaya environment and forest minister Prestone Tynsong told The Telegraph today that a foundation stone for this project would be inaugurated at the village by Bolivia's ambassador to India, Jorge Cardenas, on November 20.

Siatbakon village is around 55km from Shillong and 5km from Pynursla.

The garden belonged to the four Khasi clans - Sawkur Khun Trai - including the Khongmaloh clan under Raid Shabong of Khyrim Syiemship (Khyrim Khasi state). The slope garden is full of lush vegetation, shrubs and a few tall trees.

The initiative to name the garden after the renowned scientist and people's President (Kalam) was proposed by the clans themselves.

The land was gifted for the project and named after the "missile man", who passed away in Shillong on July 27 this year, as a mark of respect and with an objective of preserving various species of medicinal herbs.

This correspondent who visited Siatbakon village today, found that preparation for the laying of the foundation stone was in full progress.

Tynsong said the Khasi clans would run the garden and the Meghalaya State Medicinal Plant Board would provide expertise and funds.

H. Khongsit, an entrepreneur who runs a homestay and restaurant for tourists at Siatbakon, expressed happiness about the initiative of the clans to preserve the species for herbal treatment in the garden particularly when it is in memory of Kalam.

"Our area is blessed with natural beauty and resources. We have abundant tourist spots, including Mawlynnong, the 'cleanest village' in Asia. With the setting up of this garden in the name of our former President, it will further attract visitors to our area," Khongsit said.

Asked about the funds for the project, Tynsong said officers from the state medicinal plant board are working on an estimate for the whole project, including fencing. He said a number of species of plants used for herbal treatment would be planted in the garden.

"The garden will also be developed as a tourist spot," Tynsong added.