The high-quality Face mask has been developed at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) Mumbai which is affiliated to Department of Atomic Energy. The mask was developed using HEPA filter & is expected to be cost-effective also.

This was said by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy & Space, Dr Jitendra Singh while citing some major achievements of the department during last one year.

Pertinent to mention that the Department of Atomic Energy has about thirty units which include R&D, academic institutions, aided hospitals, PSUs etc. Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai founded by the legendary Scientist Dr Homi J. Bhabha also functions under the aegis of Department of Atomic Energy.

Referring to some of the major activities & initiatives of the Department of Atomic Energy during the last one year, Dr Jitendra Singh complimented the scientific fraternity for coming to the support of society in the wake of Coronavirus pandemic. In addition to the high-quality face mask, he informed that the Atomic/Nuclear scientists have also developed the protocol for re-use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) subsequent to radiation sterilization. The SOP for the same is under consideration by the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, he added.

Dr Jitendra Singh said that the identification of new regions to develop RTPCR testing kits has also been accomplished.

He added that the kit is relatively more economic & expected to analyse relatively faster.

Thanking PM Narendra Modi for special impetus & budgetary allocation provided to Department of Atomic Energy during the last 6 years, Dr Jitendra Singh referred to the 20 Lakh Crore package announced by the PM & said that this also includes the setting up of irradiation plants across the country to prolong the shelf life of variety of fruits & vegetables.

Dr Jitendra Singh said, one of the important achievements under the Modi government has been that we have extended the activities of atomic energy to different parts of the country whereas hitherto it remained confined mostly to few States in South India or in West like Maharashtra. He informed that the work is in progress to set up the first nuclear plant in North India at a place called Gorakhpur which is quite close to Delhi.

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