Question : MACHINE TO DETECT ANTHRAX

(a) whether the Electronics Corporation of India Ltd. (ECIL) has developed a new machine to detect Anthrax;

(b) if so, whether its efficiency to detect Anthrax powder has been evaluated; and

(c) if so, the details thereof?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SMALL SCALE INDUSTRIES, MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS, MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PLANNING AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE DEPARTMENTS OF ATOMIC ENERGY AND SPACE (SHRIMATI VASUNDHARA RAJE)

(a) X-ray baggage system developed by Electronics Corporation of India Ltd., (a public sector undertaking of the Department of Atomic Energy) which is being extensively used in high security areas including Airports can detect the presence of powdery substance.

(b) & (c) This machine has been tested for chemical substances/ powders such as VIM, Chalk-powder, salt, talcum powder etc. up to 5 mg quantity and validated that the powdery substance contained in any cover, bag, pouch, brief- case etc. can be detected in patchy form. The detection and observation of powder in patchy form, can alert the users handling post, packages etc. to take appropriate precautions.