BARC, Garhwal University to monitor radioactivity

DEHRADUN: Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) has roped in Garhwal Central University for a research project to monitor the effect of radiation in Delhi, Uttarakhand and other northern states.
To monitor radioactivity, a full-fledged laboratory has already been established at the Tehri region nodal centre, with an earlier grant of Rs 50 lakh from BARC in 2011. The second grant of Rs 85 lakh to aid the research work was received recently.
The project was initially started with a MoU between BARC and Garhwal University to check the radiation levels present in the atmosphere and will have several experts participating to quantify the radiation levels and its effects.
Garhwal University, Tehri region-Campus director and BARC nodal centre research coordinator, Prof R C Ramola told TOI, "The peculiarity about the Uranium is that it remains active for millions of years and exposure to such radioactive remains can lead to cancer and other health hazards."
"We are in the process of mapping the levels of radiation in the northern states of the country so that the problems which arise because of such radiations can be dealt with effectively," he added.
The research will mainly focus on the effects of radiation from Radon, Uranium and Thorium in Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana and Punjab.
The research project is expected to be completed by 2016.