The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of the Ministry of Defence has developed nuclear, biological and chemical warfare protection systems (NBC) which can not only protect but also detect and treat in the eventuality of such warfare. Some of the constituent laboratories of the DRDO such as the Defence Research & Development Establishment (DRDE) Gwalior, Defence Materials and Stores Research & Development Establishment (DMSRDE) Kanpur, Defence Bio-engineering and Electro-medical Laboratory (DEBEL) Bangalore, Defence Laboratory (DL) Jodhpur, Vehicle Research Development Establishment (VRDE), Ahmednagar and Research & Development Engineers, Pune together have been instrumental in developing the NBC protection systems.

DMSRDE, Kanpur has developed several NBC protection systems. One of them is a three-layered permeable suit consisting of smock and trousers that provide protection against toxic vapour aerosol and droplets. The suit gives high breath ability to reduce psychological stress and is vacuum-packed to give an extended storage life.

The decontamination suit is another system developed by DMSRDE. It provides protection against toxic gases. As this is a non-breathable suit, it is worn only for short periods during decontamination. The suit completely encapsulates a soldier and is made of non-irritating absorbent powder packed in cotton pads sufficient to decontaminate 500 sq cm of skin surface. The packing is poly-thene laminated aluminium for long shelf life.

Another portable deconta-mination apparatus has been developed by the same laboratory for decontaminating surfaces by spraying liquid mixtures and slurries. The container has a capacity of 12 litres and is made of stainless steel. It has a spray gun with adjustable nozzle and a range of nine metres. The pressure range is 5 kg per cm. For effective decontamination, the kit contains a scraper and brush.

To measure the cumulative radiation dose received by an individual when exposed to neutron and gamma radiation, a water proof reader for RPL Dosimeter which is like a locket has been prepared by Defence Laboratory, Jodhpur that can be worn on the wrist.

The laboratory has also developed a portable Dose Rate Meter that reads gamma and neutron doses recorded by RPL Dosimeter. The portable Dose Rate Meter is used for measurement of gamma radiation exposure in fall-outs and contaminated areas. It has a quick response and it requires very little power to operate. The reader for RPL Dosimeter is used for reading the gamma and neutron doses recorded by RPL Dosimeter. It has a very quick response and gives the results in less than three seconds.

VRDE, Ahmednagar has developed a decontamination vehicle/station that can decontaminate terrain, vehicles, aircraft, personnel and personal equipment. This system is fitted on Tatra vehicle with cross-country capability. It has three main sub-systems such as pre-wash, chemical wash and post-wash which can be operated simultaneously.

R&D Engineers, Pune developed a self-contained integrated field shelter for 30 persons for protection from toxic vapours. Those inside the shelter can stay within for 96 hours. The diameter is 2.5 metres and its length is 28 metres. It has special fasteners for quick erection and dismantling with two generator sets of five KVA each. The respirator has two water tanks with 1000 litres each.

The DRDE and DEBEL have together developed a respirator face piece which provides protection against toxic gases, vapour, smoke, radioactive dust and bacteria. It is made of specially formulated nitrite rubber.

Besides developing NCB protection systems, the DRDE regularly trains the Armed Forces personnel in all aspects of nuclear, biological and chemical warfare. The government has decided to initiate a separate training programme for civilian authorities in states and union territories such as senior police officers, doctors and administrators for the creation of rapid response teams all over the country. The courses of four-day duration will be conducted in batches of 20-25 persons. Candidates would be drawn from police departments, district administrations, magistrates and medical and forensic fraternity. Apart from France and the Netherlands, India’s DRDE is only the third laboratory recognised for the training of inspectors for the United Nations sponsored Chemical Weapon Convention.