Navy gets lab-on-wheels to test radioactivity
Monday, 01 October 2007, 19:30 IST
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New Delhi: An environmental survey vehicle (ESV) - a radiological laboratory on wheels - developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) was formally handed over to the Indian Navy here Monday. DRDO chief M. Natarajan handed over the ESV to the Indian Navy vice-chief, Vice Admiral Nirmal Verma. Designed and developed by the Defence Laboratory at Jodhpur, the ESV is equipped with state-of-art instruments to measure radioactivity levels in solids, liquids and in the air. This will help in certifying the suitability of substances that can be eaten, drank or inhaled from the view point of radiation safety in coastal areas. "It is capable of measuring alpha, beta and gamma radiation quantitatively and qualitatively to even very low levels of radioactivity, thereby facilitating early detection of any unusual increase in radioactivity in the area," a defence ministry release said. "The ESV is also capable of detecting any intentional or unintentional release of radioactivity in a marine environment. The capabilities of this vehicle will find increased utility in the changing security environment," the release added. Accepting the ESV on behalf of the Indian Navy, Verma commended the DRDO for its efforts in completing the project in the stipulated time.
Source: IANS
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