Kolkata, Aug 22 (IANS): The Presidency University here will soon have a Rs.30 crore campus in West Bengal's Kurseong that will focus on astrophysics and space sciences as well as Himalayan ecology and geology.

The announcement was made on Friday by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee who visited the varsity upon their invitation in connection with the forthcoming bicentennial celebrations.

"The proposed setting up of the 'Himalayan Centre of Presidency University at Dow Hill, Kurseong' in Darjeeling at a cost of Rs.30 crore was also approved (by the state government).

"Here subjects like astrophysics and space sciences, Himalayan ecology and biodiversity, Himalayan geology and tectonics, among other subjects will be taught at the UG and PG levels," she said on her Facebook page.

She said the state government would grant Rs.118 crore for another campus of the varsity coming up at Rajarhat in the city's eastern fringes. She announced a grant of Rs.30 crore during the day for the campus.

"Also, for the repair, renovation and beautification of this existing heritage campus for the approaching bicentenary celebrations as also for up-gradation of the university's library, I announced a grant of Rs.11.78 Crore from the government.

"We are committed to make Presidency University an institute of global reckoning," she said.