Chemical Weapons Convention and Indian defence research
India signed the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) on 14th January, 1993.
The scientists from Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE), Gwalior India, which developed a host of equipment and protective measures against NBC agents were a part of the team which formed the Indian policies for CWC and also Biological Toxins Warfare Conventions (BTWC). When India ratified CWC, India declared its available facilities for routine inspections, one such facility was DRDE’s Process Technology Development Division (PTDD). PTDD was created as CWC requirement. It is a separate building that holds small quantities of sulphur mustard for experimental purposes.
Prior to establishment of Organization of Prevention of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), a preparatory Commission took charge. DRDE was naturally involved in Indian OPCW resolution implementation. In the preparation of the curriculum and other logistics and related matters of training programmes, Dr. D K Jaiswal, Scientist “G” had been deeply involved. In addition to meetings in The Hague, The Netherlands, he attended a 48 day training programme in Alabama. DRDO also took up the onus to be one of the designated laboratories for proficiency testing of samples and has participated in programmes awaiting OPCW approval.
The Vertox Laboratory
An independent laboratory named Vertox Laboratory was constituted for the purpose of participating in the Inter Laboratory Comparison Tests conducted by the OPCW. The laboratory analysis the samples sent by OPCW for off-site analysis that is permissible under the convention. The samples sent are not straight samples but a mixture of different matrices to be detected even at nanogram level. The matrices included, soil, water, diesel, organic waste etc. Besides refining technical competence, the tests also led to build of a spectral database of about 7000 chemicals related to the convention. DRDE exhibited very consistence of obtaining mostly A and B grades.
CWC courses
It’s not just the military domain, DRDE conducted courses for the industries. “Implications of Chemical Weapons Convention for Indian Industry’” was arranged by DRDE in 1994. A number of courses were conducted by DRDE at the Training center after 1994 course. The participation came not just from India, but also from Americas, Europe, Africa and Africa. The courses are 1) Verification under the CWC: Pilot course Module I 2) PTS-DRDE Course for National Authority and 3) CWC Module I course.
DRDE conducted National Authority (NA) course in 1996. The course spread the awareness that was expected by NA’s of various nations in fulfilling the requirements of CWC. OPCW approved by OPCW.
Achievements
A team of researchers, lead by D.K. Dubay of Vertox Laboratory, developed an new extraction technique called single drop microextraction (SDME), which is approved by OPCW.
DRDE modified process for destruction of agent destruction has also been approved by OPCW.
DRDE continues to be in forefront of Chemical Weapons eradication efforts in the world.
Copytights: Frontier India Defence and Strategic News Service
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