BHU scientists aim tackling terror with nano-technology

Varanasi, Aug 30 (UNI) Detecting explosives in a train, aircraft or even crowded places could become an easy affair, if the scientists at the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) succeed in their mission of developing an explosive detecting 'Nano-Sensor Nose.' As part of a mission to use nano-technology for countering terrorism, scientists at the Nano Science and Technology Centre in BHU, are engaged in developing a 'Nano-Sensor Nose', which could detect any solid or liquid explosive just like a sniffer dog.

Besides, the scientists at the Centre based in BHU Physics Department are also working on developing 'Nano-fibre boxes', which can prevent damage to a train in the event of a bomb blast.

''The acts of terrorism can be countered effectively only through the researches of modern science,'' said O N Srivastava, heading the team of scientists in developing such anti-terrorism devices.

''In India most cases of bomb explosion by terrorists occurred in trains. About 12 such incidents took place in the country during last two years,'' he added.

Explaining the idea Prof Srivastava said when the nano-fibre boxes are developed, they could be placed in every compartment of train as goods container. The passengers could then be asked to keep their belongings excepting cell-phones and medicines in the containers, he added.

''Even if bomb-blasts take place on the train, the belongings kept inside the containers will remain intact, as these boxes will be thousands times more stronger than steel or other metallic equivalents,'' Prof Srivastava claimed.

''While, the belongings of the passengers could be prevented from damage through the boxes, the lives of commuters can be saved through pre-emptive action with the help of nano-sensor noses. Such sensors can be installed at vital points on trains, aircrafts and crowded public places to detect the presence of any explosives,'' he added.

Declining to divulge when the two nano-technology based anti-terror devices will finally be developed, Prof Srivastava, also involved with the development of hydrogen powered motorcycle and three-wheeler in BHU, said the work was in full swing.

The work was bound to accelerate in the light of BHU Vice-Chancellor Panjab Singh sending a plan to the centre for enhancing facilities at the Nano Science and Technology Centre.

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