Department of Atomic Energy (DAE)

6-Apr-2023: Major findings of research Institutes under DAE

Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and its R&D units have multi-disciplinary Nuclear Research Centres with excellent infrastructure for advanced Research and Development with expertise covering the entire spectrum of Nuclear Science, Engineering and related areas. A large amount of work involves design, development and deployment of various advanced technologies, operation and maintenance of nuclear facilities resulting in tangible benefits for common man and the nation. The areas of Research and development include Physical sciences, Chemical sciences, Bio- sciences, Agriculture, Food Preservation, Water Desalination and Water Purification, Nuclear Reactor Technologies, Reprocessing and Waste Management, etc.

Major scientific contributions done by Institutes under DAE cover three stage Nuclear Power Programme, research activities related to Medical Cyclotrons, super conducting magnet development, Advanced National Facility for Unstable Rare Isotope Beams (ANURIB), indigenous development of nuclear fusion technologies, Particle Accelerator related technologies, R&D activities in the area of laser, food agriculture and solid waste management, water desalination/purification spin-off technologies and Nuclear Medicine covering radioactive isotopes for non-invasive diagnosis of several human diseases etc.

Some of the non-strategic research findings by Institutions under DAE involve eco-friendly and biodegradable hydrogel developed and deployed in arid regions to achieve water absorption up to 550 times of its own weight, Gamma Irradiation based Food Preservation Technology, Sewage Sludge Hygienisation Technology for converting sewage sludge into organic manure, Hybrid granular Sequencing Batch Reactor (HgSBR) technology for wastewater treatment, Cargo Scanner based on duel energy LINAC by BARC; Online Nuclear Emergency Response System (ONERS), Portable High Volume Air Sampler, Gamma Chamber Facility for irradiation of seeds and plants for research work, development of sensors for carbon, hydrogen etc., 89Sr- a bone cancer palliative, Autonomous Gamma Dose Logger, Ultra-Sensitive Flexi Range Pulsating Sensor based Conductivity Meter by IGCAR; Tokamak Fusion Devices, Societal and Industrial applications of Plasma covering waste disposal, medical and health applications, space, defence, industrial tools, nano-powders, agriculture, green hydrogen etc. by IPR and High precision study of the Hoyle state in 12C, High resolution gamma ray spectroscopy studies on different nuclei, Giant dipole resonance studies at low temperature, understanding of entanglement generation upon coupling tow chaotic systems, exploring the behavior of hot and dense nuclear matter under strong magnetic fields etc. by VECC.

As far as Mathematical research is concerned, Institute of Mathematical Sciences (IMSc) scientists were the earliest to forecast accurate trends for the spread of COVID-19 in India starting in February 2020 and the first to show quantitatively the effect of the national lockdown. Institute scientists also have been instrumental in creating an extremely detailed simulator for state-level forecasting of epidemic treads that can assist authorities in planning for future pandemics.

Harish-Chandra Research Institute, Prayagraj has done the study of set-theoretic solutions of the quantum Yang Baxter equations using group theory and done work on the representation theory of infinite dimensional Lie algebras. The Institute has also worked on the local smoothing estimate for general Fourier integral operators with specific phase functions and has done study on tensor weight structures on derived categories of Noetherian schemes, representation of integers as monochromatic sums of squares of primes with an estimate and the growth of trace of powers of algebraic integers with a characterization for a non-zero algebraic integer to be a root of unity.

Number of peer-reviewed journal articles published in internationally acclaimed journals in past five years are 33434. All these published articles are related to Nuclear and allied sciences and with reference to mandate of DAE.

6-Apr-2023: Major findings of research Institutes under DAE

2022

8-Dec-2022: Government proposes to widen the participation of private players in space domain

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said, Government proposes to widen the participation of private players in space domain, by allowing them to undertake end-to-end space activities.

In a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today, Dr Jitendra Singh said, a single-window agency, INSPACe – Indian National Space Promotion & Authorization Centre, has been created in this regard to promote, handhold and authorize space activities of Non-Government Entities (NGEs).

The Minister also informed that in parallel, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), a Central Public Sector Enterprise under Department of Space mandated to carry out operational and commercial activities, so far largely conducted by ISRO.

On the subject of whether Government has prepared a policy to define commercial activities of space that are available for private sector handled by NSIL and ISRO, Dr Jitendra Singh said, the Department of Space is in the process of formulating a comprehensive, overarching space policy, that shall bring clarity on roles of various stakeholders. The Policy has undergone extensive deliberations with industry groups, inter-ministerial consultations and is under further approval process.

9-Apr-2022: First meeting of the reconstituted Joint Hindi Salahkar Samiti of Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh today said that India’s Nuclear Programme is for improving quality of life and not for causing harm to human life.

Dr Jitendra Singh said that India has covered a long journey since the inception of the Atomic Energy programme by Dr Homi Bhabha based on the peaceful use of nuclear energy. He said that time has come to renew the noble pledge of Dr Bhabha as “Sankalp se Siddhi”.

Dr Jitendra Singh was chairing the meeting of the reconstituted Joint Hindi Salahkar Samiti of Department of Atomic Energy and Department Space at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.

Dr Jitendra Singh said that applications of nuclear energy and radiation have played a significant role in the field of electricity production, agriculture, medicine, health, food preservation, improved seeds varieties, water purification technologies, urban waste management technologies, industrial application of radioisotopes and radiation technologies particularly in petroleum industry. He, however, lamented that most of the societal applications of nuclear energy are not much known to the people.

The Minister also informed that Gamma Irradiation Technology is used for inhibition of sprouting in bulbs and tubes, insect disinfestation of cereals, pulses and grains, microbial decontamination of dry spices etc., for preservation/shelf life extension by applying pre-determined radiation doses. He said, even during COVID pandemic, the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) came out with novel innovations like COVID BEEP, India’s first indigenous, cost effective, wireless physiological parameters monitoring system for COVID-19 patients.

Dr Jitendra Singh said that Tata Centre Mumbai, which is running a number of Cancer Hospitals across the country works under the aegis of the Department of Atomic Energy. He also informed that the Department of Atomic Energy and Tata Memorial Centre, with assistance from Tata Trust, is setting up additional units In Bihar, Assam and Uttarakhand.

Dr Jitendra Singh called upon the members of Committee and Department of Rajbhasha to take steps to popularise the achievements of Space and Nuclear Technology among the common through proper translation in Hindi and Vernacular languages through professional translators. He also laid stress on proper translation of Science textbooks and literature in Hindi and regional languages.

Dr Jitendra Singh said, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Department of Rajbhasha which is a part of Home Ministry headed by Amit Shah, is working a sea change is being witnessed that most of the official works in Central Ministries and Departments are being done in Hindi. The Minister underlined that that Prime Minister Narendra Modi always pitched for using vernacular languages in promoting science communication in a "big way" to develop "love of science" in the youth and underlined that language should not be a barrier but a facilitator.

Dr Jitendra Singh said that Space Technology is being applied in diverse fields and sectors to bring “ease of living” for common man. ISRO scientists briefed the committee meeting about the widespread application of Space Technology in fields like Agriculture, Soils, Water Resources, Land Use/Land Cover, Rural Development, Earth and Climate Studies, Geosciences, Urban & Infrastructure, Disaster Management Support, Forestry and Ecology and Using Geospatial Technology as a tool for enabling Decision Support Systems. The Minister said that in the recent past Drone Technology is being used to bring a new revolution in the field of agriculture.

Dr Jitendra Singh was informed by members of the Advisory Committee that some of the MBBS syllabus will be taught in Hindi at Gandhi Medical College Bhopal from May this year and efforts are on to translate the entire curricula through medical and scientific professional experts.

6-Apr-2022: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh says, Government has accorded ‘In-Principle’ approval for five new sites for locating nuclear power plants in future

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said that the Government has accorded ‘In-Principle’ approval for five new sites for locating nuclear power plants in future.

In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today, Dr Jitendra Singh said, the Government has accorded administrative approval and financial sanction for construction of 10 indigenous 700 MW Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) to be set up in fleet mode. He said, on progressive completion of the projects under construction and accorded sanction, the nuclear capacity is expected to reach 22480 MW by 2031.

The Minister informed that there are presently 22 reactors with a total capacity of 6780 MW in operation and one reactor, KAPP-3 (700 MW) has been connected to the grid on January 10, 2021. In addition, there are 10 reactors (Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP) 3&4, KKNPP 5&6 - 4x1000 =4000 MW, 5 indigenous PHWR of 700 MW - 3500 MW, 500 MW PFBR) which are various stages of construction, which will add a total capacity of 8000 MW.

Further in order to produce fuel for all indigenous PHWRs, Fuel fabrication capacity is augmented in the facilities available at Nuclear Fuel Complex (NFC), Hyderabad and the upcoming facilities at Nuclear Fuel Complex (NFC), Kota, Rajasthan in order to match with the requirement of existing PHWRs and upcoming PHWRs. The requirement of uranium for domestic safeguarded nuclear reactors are met by indigenously mined and produced uranium.. Moreover, Natural Uranium Ore Concentrate (UOC) is being procured from countries having Inter Governmental Agreement for supply of nuclear fuel. Efforts have been made to procure nuclear fuel from Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Canada.

2021

9-Dec-2021: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh says, nuclear energy has an important role in the country’s energy transition for meeting the goal of net zero economy

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said that nuclear energy has an important role in the country’s energy transition for meeting the goal of net zero economy.

In a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today, the Minister said that the current installed nuclear power capacity in the country is 6780 MW. He said, Nuclear power is not only clean and environmental friendly, but it is also a source of base load power available 24x7 like thermal power.

Dr Jitendra Singh informed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his statement at COP26 Summit held in Glasgow has stated that India will reach its non-fossil energy capacity to 500 GW by 2030 and the country will meet 50 percent of its energy requirements from Renewable Energy by 2030.

On the issue of Government’s plan to meet the energy demands of the country using different energy sources (both renewable and non-renewable) in the next 10 years, Dr Jitendra Singh informed that in this regard, total of 79 no. of hydro schemes with an aggregate capacity of more than 30000 MW (comprising 11 Pumped Storage Schemes of 8700 MW) have been envisaged for capacity addition during the period 2019-2020 to 2029-30. This include 12663.5 MW of HE projects under construction for providing benefits during this period.

The Minister pointed out that out of the above 79 projects, 5 hydro schemes with capacity of 1023 MW have since been commissioned. The existing nuclear power capacity of 6780 MW is going to be increased to 22480 MW by the year 2031 on progressive completion of projects under construction and accorded sanction. More nuclear power plants are also planned in future. Similarly, a total capacity of 31665 MW of coal based capacity are in the various stages of construction.

17-Mar-2021: DAE plans to rope in private agencies for Nuclear Medicine: Dr Jitendra Singh

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh said that Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), plans of sharing one of its facilities partially with private agencies for the weekly production of “Column Chromatography Generator Production”. In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today, he said, the Technology for the Production of important radiopharmaceuticals, like 18F-FDB for various cancer imaging and 18F-NaF for bone cancer imaging is available through Technology Transfer.

Dr. Jitendra Singh said, as a part of AtmaNirbhar Bharat the following initiatives have been taken by DAE:

The 30 MeV Medical Cyclotron at Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre (VECC), Kolkata is operational and carrying out regular commercial production and delivery of radiopharmaceuticals like, FDG (18F) and Sodium Fluoride (18F-NaF) by BRIT. The production of Gallium-68 (68Ga), Gallium-67 (67Ga), Thallium-201 (201Tl) based radiopharmaceuticals have also been done at Medical Cyclotron Facility of VECC, Kolkata. The 67Ga and 201Tl based radiopharmaceuticals, were hitherto imported.
BRIT has taken up two projects viz. Advanced Facility for Radio Pharmaceuticals Production (AFRP) and Fission Moly Project (FMP) for production of medical isotopes in large scale. Under AFRP project, BRIT is augmenting I-131 capsule production and I-131 MIBG production for diagnostic & therapeutic application for cancer treatment. In addition, the project is also contributing for GMP compliance of various facilities. FMP project has the capacity to produce 300 Ci/week (6day pre-calibrated) HSA Mo99 (High Specific activity) as API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient) for the large-scale production of Mo99-Tc99m Column chromatography Generator. Presently HSA Mo99 is an import dependent API.

The Minister informed that the efforts made by the Government to make India self-reliant are as under: A research reactor dedicated to medical isotope production is envisaged to be executed under Public Private Partnership. In this partnership, Government through the Department of Atomic Energy, plans to extend support to the investors for processing and production of radioisotopes and radiopharmaceuticals both for diagnosis and therapy of cancer as well as functional evaluation of organs.

2019

17-Oct-2019: Department of Atomic Energy organizes a Curtain Raiser programme to mark the Centenary Celebrations of Dr Vikram Sarabhai

As a part of the year-long Birth Centenary celebrations of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space have organized a two day programme in Mumbai. The programme was a curtain raiser to commemorate Dr. Vikram Sarabhai’s contribution towards DAE.

A number of contemporaries of Dr. Sarabhai participated in the event. Luminaries like Dr. Kasturirangan, (former Chairman, ISRO) Dr. M.R. Srinivasan, (former Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission & Secretary Department of Atomic Energy), Shri Surendar Sharma (former Chief Executive, Heavy Water Board) were present and contributions of Dr. Sarabhai for various activities of DAE like establishment of Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, giving a boost to nuclear power stations, establishment of important organisations in DAE like Heavy Water Board, Electronics Corporation of India Limited, Nuclear Fuel Complex and Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre were highlighted. Dignitaries, who had close association with Dr. Sarabhai, reminisced their association with him.

The programme is being followed with interaction with children on 18th October and is dedicated to children invited from various schools across Mumbai. Popular lectures on nuclear energy and space sciences, in addition to the Science Quiz and debate competitions and speeches, are the major attractions of this day.

This curtain raiser is being followed by similar programmes in different units of DAE till August 2020.

Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, who is considered as the father of the Indian Space Programme, was born on 12th August 1919 in Ahmedabad. Contribution of Dr. Sarabhai towards Department of Space is well known. However, his contribution for Department of Atomic Energy in his capacity as Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission are equally important.

2017

3-Aug-2017: Development of Radiation Technology

Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) - Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) has been engaged in R&D work on the technology of preservation and hygienization of food and Agri-products by radiation. Irradiation is very effective in treating the horticultural produces. Extension of shelf life of horticultural produces is very much depended on the produce, variety and storage conditions. For many fresh Agri produce subjected to irradiation and proper storage, substantial shelf life extension has been achieved.

Unique advantages of radiation processing are:

Significant increase in shelf life for many products including fruits, vegetables, cereals, pulses, spices, sea foods and meat products.
Effective elimination of harmful bacteria, viruses and insects/pests.
Cold & clean process (No temperature raise or residue); and treatment done after final packaging (no repacking necessary).

BARC-DAE has set up two technology demonstration units, one commissioned in the year 2000 for high dose irradiation at Vashi, Navi Mumbai, and another in 2002, for low dose irradiation, KRUSHAK (Krushi Utpadan Sanrakshan Kendra) facility at Lasalgaon, near Nashik. The facilities are being operated by the Board of Radiation & Isotope Technology (BRIT). Recently the harmonization of food irradiation rules with the international regulation through adaptation of class wise clearance of irradiated food items by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has taken place [Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Sixth Amendment Regulations, 2016] for large scale deployment of this technology.

The quantum of horticulture produce in India is huge. Hence, many more facilities are needed.

Currently 15 irradiation plants are functional in the country which includes two plants set up by Government of India (KRUSHAK at Lasalgaon, Nashik, Maharashtra; and Radiation Processing Plant at Vashi, Navi Mumbai), and one each by State Government of Maharashtra and Gujarat. Annually, about 20,000 MT of food and allied products are being irradiated in the country.

27-Jul-2017: Irradiation Facilities for Horticultural Produces

The quantum of horticulture produce in India is large. Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) has been engaged in R&D work on the technology of preservation and hygiene of food and Agri-products by radiation. It has set up two technology demonstration units, one commissioned in the year 2000 for high dose irradiation at Vashi, Navi Mumbai, and another in 2002, for low dose irradiation, KRUSHAK (Krushi Utpadan Sanrakshan Kendra) facility at Lasalgaon, near Nashik. The facilities are being operated by the Board of Radiation & Isotope Technology (BRIT).

Recently the harmonization of food irradiation rules with the international regulation through adaptation of class wise clearance of irradiated food items by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has taken place [Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Sixth Amendment Regulations, 2016] for large scale deployment of this technology.

Currently 15 irradiation plants are functional in the country which include two plants set up by Government of India (KRUSHAK at Lasalgaon, Nashik, Maharashtra; and Radiation Processing Plant at Vashi, Navi Mumbai), and one each by the State Governments of Maharashtra and Gujarat. Annually, about 20,000 MT of food and allied products are being irradiated in the country. For setting up more plants, MoU have been signed with private firms.

Irradiation is very effective in treating the horticultural produces. Extension of shelf life of horticultural produces is very much dependant on the produce, variety and storage conditions. For many fresh Agri produce subjected to irradiation and proper storage, substantial shelf life extension has been achieved.

A 5-10% increase in cost is normally expected due to the processing charges. Irradiation costs may range from Rs. 0.5 to 1.0/ kg for a low dose application such as sprout inhibition in potato and onion and insect disinfestation in cereals and pulses; and Rs. 5-10/kg for high dose applications such as treatment of spices for microbial decontamination. The costs could be brought down in a multipurpose facility treating a variety of produces throughout the year. In many cases, extended shelf life offsets the extra cost. Processing also brings benefits to consumers in terms of availability, storage life, distribution, and improved hygiene of food. Irradiation can have a stabilizing effect on market price of commodities by reducing storage losses resulting in increased availability of produce. Currently its estimated cost comes in the range of Rs. 15-20 crores excluding land cost. The Department of Atomic Energy provides Scientific and Technical assistance for setting up such facilities.

The process of setting a facility takes about 2-3 years. This would include site selection, regulatory clearances, construction of the facility and obtaining necessary documentations and licenses. Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and Board of Radiation & Isotope Technology (BRIT) can provide the scientific and technical assistance for setting up such facilities. This will depend upon the number of entrepreneurs coming forward to setup irradiation facilities across the country.

8-Feb-2017: Uranium Reserves in Meghalaya

Uranium mineralization in Meghalaya has been found over a large area around Domiasiat, Wahkyn, Lostoin etc. Uranium Corporation of India Ltd. (UCIL) under Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) has already made a plan to develop the mineral resources at Domiasiat under the name of “Kylleng Phendengsohiong Mawthabah (KPM) Uranium Mining Project”. The project has the potential to generate substantial nuclear fuel for the atomic power plants of the country.

The Detailed Project Report of the KPM Uranium Mining Project has been approved by Atomic Energy Commission, environmental clearance for this project has been obtained from Ministry of Environment Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC) in December 2007. An agreement has also been signed between UCIL and the land owners of the project site in May 2007 for acquisition of land on annual lease rent basis. Approval to execute land lease with land owners, grant of mining lease and Consent for Establishment has been taken up with Meghalaya State Government.