The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has inaugurated a state-of-the-art Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Field Training & Demonstration Centre at Burari Plains in Delhi. The facility aims to strengthen India’s preparedness and response capabilities against radiological and nuclear emergencies.
The centre was inaugurated by Samir V Kamat, who is also the Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D.
Purpose of the Centre
The newly established centre has been designed to:
- Enhance preparedness for CBRN emergencies
- Train frontline responders and specialists
- Demonstrate advanced technologies for crisis response
- Improve coordination among multiple national agencies
The facility is part of the upcoming CBRN Centre of Excellence under Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS).
Key Features of the Facility
The centre includes several advanced and specialised facilities such as:
Radiological & Nuclear Test Bed Facility
Used for:
- Simulating nuclear and radiological emergency situations
- Testing protective systems and response mechanisms
Heavy Ion Research Facility
Supports:
- Scientific research on radiation effects
- Advanced nuclear-related studies
Emergency Medical Response Units
These units will help in:
- Immediate medical support during disasters
- Radiation exposure management
- Field-level healthcare response
Real-Time Field Response Systems
Designed to:
- Improve coordination during emergencies
- Enable rapid deployment of response teams
Agencies to Benefit from Training
The centre will provide specialised training to responders from:
- Ministry of Defence
- Ministry of Home Affairs
- National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
- Other disaster response and security agencies
Importance of CBRN Preparedness
What is CBRN?
CBRN stands for:
- Chemical
- Biological
- Radiological
- Nuclear
These threats can arise from:
- Warfare
- Terror attacks
- Industrial accidents
- Nuclear emergencies
Significance of the Initiative
Strengthening National Security
The facility enhances India’s ability to respond effectively to high-risk emergencies.
Advanced Research & Innovation
It promotes cutting-edge research in:
- Nuclear medicine
- Radiation protection
- Disaster response technologies
Capacity Building
The centre will train the next generation of specialists using modern techniques and technologies.
Dignitaries Present at the Event
The inauguration ceremony was attended by:
- Upendra Kumar Singh
- Chandrika Kaushik
- Ravindra Singh
along with senior scientists and officials.
About DRDO
- Full Name: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
- Formed: 1 January 1958
- Headquarters: DRDO Bhawan, New Delhi
- Motto: “Strength’s Origin is in Science” (बलस्य मूलं विज्ञानम्)
Conclusion
The inauguration of the CBRN Field Training & Demonstration Centre marks an important milestone in India’s defence and disaster preparedness framework. By combining advanced research, real-time response systems, and specialised training, the facility will significantly improve the country’s readiness to tackle chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats.

