Delay in upgrading NIV Alappuzha in Kerala hurting efforts

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Delay in upgrading NIV Alappuzha in Kerala hurting efforts

The center will be able to screen for monkey fever, Nipah, and other uncommon illnesses with the addition of more modern facilities and associated upgrades.

ALAPPUZHA: The delay in upgrading the laboratory at the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Alappuzha to biosafety level 3 (BSL-3) is hindering the early detection of disease outbreaks in the state, including Nipah.

The cutting-edge laboratory was launched in a new facility about a year ago. The Rs 25-crore structure is located in Kuravanthodu, near Punnapra, on

5.5 acres of property that was previously owned by the Alappuzha Medical College Hospital. NIV was given the plot in 2012.

The laboratory serves as a satellite of the NIV Pune. “The project was approved by the Union government in 2006.” However, the building did not begin until 2012. “Steps are being taken to upgrade it to BSL-3,” an official stated.

It is now permitted to test samples for coronavirus, chikungunya, and dengue. As COVID wreaked havoc in 2019, the Union Ministry of Health and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) allowed sophisticated testing to identify the new coronavirus (nCoV) and other viruses.

The center will be able to screen for monkey fever, Nipah, and other uncommon illnesses with the addition of more modern facilities and associated upgrades.

The NIV Alappuzha complex comprises guest accommodations and an animal house, identical to the one at NIV Pune, for performing controlled animal research.

“When the facility is fully operational, it will be able to conduct research on more than 40 diseases.” It would be capable of detecting illnesses such as Nipah, Japanese encephalitis, West Nile, dengue, kyasanur forest sickness (monkey fever), and H1N1, and the test findings will be validated by the federal government and the ICMR,” the official added.

Vinayagar Chaturthi: Plastic and thermocol not allowed for idol immersion in Tamil Nadu

The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board released rules on Friday for the immersion of idols to be held as part of the Vinayagar Chaturthi celebration on Monday, advising the people to utilize only the registered areas in each district and to follow the central norms.
 
Only idols composed of natural, biodegradable, and eco-friendly raw materials, such as traditional clay and mud, are approved for immersion in waterbodies, according to the board criteria. It is expressly forbidden to use plaster of Paris, polyethylene, thermocol, single-use plastic, and poisonous and non-biodegradable chemical colors or oil paints.
 
The board encourages the use of detachable and washable ornamental clothing made entirely of natural materials and colors for the adornment of idols.
 
Only dried flower components and straw are permissible for constructing idol decorations, and natural tree resins are permitted for adorning the idols. “Use of single-use plastic and thermocol materials shall be strictly prohibited,” the board stated, adding that “eco-friendly materials such as straw should be used in making idols or decoration of idols/pandals/tazias in order to prevent pollution in waterbodies.” Enamel and synthetic dye-based paints should be avoided, and eco-friendly, water-based, biodegradable, and non-toxic colours should be used instead, according to the report.
 
 

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