INO gears up to try out new experiments

Jan. 24: With the India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) hopeful of obtaining cabinet clearance for locating the Rs 1,200-crore underground physics laboratory in the Bodi west hills at Pottipuram in Theni district, the scientists have envisaged other experimental plans under its umbrella.Besides research connected with neutrinos, the Neutrino Collaboration Group (NCG) aims to conduct other decisive experiments such as neutrino-less double beta decay and dark matter which require such a unique underground facility, INO spokesperson Naba K. Mondal of Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Mumbai, told reporters here on Monday.Prof R. G.Pillay of TIFR, a scientist working on neutrino-less double beta decay research said as the experiment to detect the radioactive decay process, which is at the level of research and development, requires an underground observatory of this nature, scientists into this research have collaborated with the INO recently.Mr Mondal said the lab, a huge national facility, would cater to various other science experiments in future. Asked whether the locals who were opposed to the facility coming up in their vicinity were explained of the new experiments during the mass outreach programme, he said answered in the affirmative. We are running away from radioactivity. And, all these are harmless experiments, said V.P.Viyogi of Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre, Kolkatta.About 90 scientists from across the country have gathered here for a two-day meeting that began on Monday to take stock of the current status and discuss the further developments of the INO project.

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