In Jammu and Kashmir, the UT Government has formally approved the transfer of 41 Kanal of land to the Union Health Ministry to facilitate the establishment of a unit of National Institute of Virology (NIV) for the north zone in Jammu. Akashvani Jammu Correspondent reports that in response to the evolving threat of new viruses affecting the human population, the Government of India is taking proactive measures by establishing the NIV Unit for the North Zone in Jammu.<br />'' <br />''  This institute, the first of its kind in northern India, will be constructed at Nagrota in the outskirts of Jammu city by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Commissioner Secretary Revenue has officially sanctioned the transfer of the state land to the Health Ministry without any cost. The approved land, measuring 41 kanal, 4 marla under Khasra No. 454 in the village Jagti, Tehsil Nagrota, district Jammu, will be utilized for the establishment of ICMR-National Institute of Virology, North Zone Unit. <br />'' <br />'' The transfer of land for the project has been endorsed by the administrative council led by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, leading to the issuance of formal orders by the Revenue Department. The NIV in Jammu is poised to play a crucial role in addressing virus disease outbreaks through the application of epidemiological and diagnostic tools and would offer referral diagnostic services to individuals, communities, medical colleges, and research institutions. The NIV, a laboratory under the ICMR, aims to strengthen pandemic research and provide essential diagnostic services for a range of diseases. The NIV Jammu project is set to contribute significantly by offering post-graduate courses, training, and research in various diseases, including influenza, encephalitis, dengue, chikungunya, Ebola, H1N1, and COVID-19.