Security at scientific institutes in sensitive regions to be upgraded

Security at technical and scientific installations located in border areas of Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Chandigarh and north-western parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat is set to be upgraded. In addition, security of vital installations of the India Meteorological Department in Srinagar and Leh will also be enhanced.

A high-level joint meeting was held on Saturday that was presided by the Minister of State for Science and Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh, and included senior officials and heads of scientific and technical departments.

The focus of the meeting was on reviewing security preparedness of research and scientific facilities, especially in the border and sensitive zones in the wake of prevailing security situation.

The security mechanisms at Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Jammu, Central Scientific Instruments Organisation (CSIO), Chandigarh, Central Leather Research Institute, Jalandhar, Institute of Microbial Technology (IMTECH), Chandigarh, National Agri-Food and Biomanufacturing Institute (NABI), Mohali, were among those that were reviewed. Given the strategic importance of these institutions, it was emphasised that scientific facilities, especially those under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), and Ministry of Earth Sciences, were key pillars of national infrastructure in the fields of critical research, weather forecasting and disaster preparedness.

All scientific institutions have been directed to review and enhance their current security protocols in the light of the prevailing situation in association with the respective district administrations to ensure seamless coordination and protection.

Additionally, each institution is required to develop and circulate standard operating procedures (SOPs) for emergency response, ensuring that both staff and local authorities are well-prepared.

All scientific departments, especially those in sensitive regions, have also been directed to prepare a comprehensive inventory of their facilities and share it with national security agencies for appropriate safeguarding.

Nation