Researchers from CUHP conduct Gamma survey to detect radioactivity in Himachal Pradesh

By : Narinder Sharma

Anand Giri(L) and his guide Dr Deepak Pant, demonstrating a  Pinhole meter.

Researchers from the Department of Environment Sciences in Central University of Himachal Pradesh claim to have detected traces of radioactive gases in the Nahol village of Bilaspur district as part of their ongoing research project on assessing radio activity in different districts in Himachal Pradesh. 

They are conducting radio activity assessment in Kangra, Mandi and Bilaspur districts. According to the researchers, they look for the presence of radiations emitted by Radium and Thorium, two radioactive elements in the atmosphere.

“In order to detect the presence of radio activity, we basically look for the presence of two gases, Radon and Thoron, usually produced by Radium and Thorium in the atmosphere”, said researchers Anand Giri and Ankit Choudhary.

The researchers claim that they are using a technique which is known as Gamma Survey to detect radio activity. In order to assess the level of radioactivity due to Radon and Thoron in villages, especially inside houses, they have fitted small instruments (Pinhole Meters) inside the houses. “During our survey, we usually fit the instruments inside the houses for a period of three months to assess the presence of radioactivity “, said Ankit.

Pinhole Meter( Instrument for Detecting Radiation)

The researchers said that they also collect soil samples and rock samples from the area to measure the presence of radio activity. Their assessment for the areas under Kangra and Mandi districts are still progressing. They are expecting to publish the preliminary findings in two months.

The presence of Radon and Thoron beyond a limit can be harmful to human health, claim the researchers. According to them, harmful levels of these gases in the domestic atmosphere may cause cancer.

The project is being carried out as part of doctoral studies pursued by Anand Giri and Ankit Choudhary under the guidance of Dr. Deepak Pant.