Kumar Bahukhandi
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, accompanied by Dr Girish Chandel, Vice-Chancellor of Indira Gandhi Agricultural University and Chief Executive Officer of the Chhattisgarh Biotech Promotion Society, and other officials, during his visit to the advanced Biosafety Level-3 (BSL-3) laboratory at Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, Raipur, on Monday, October 12, 2026. The facility aims to strengthen infectious disease research, biotechnology and advanced diagnostic capabilities.:Photo:channel24india.com via CG/DPR
Chief Minister Says State-of-the-Art Facility at Indira Gandhi Agricultural University Will Strengthen Infectious Disease Research, Vaccine Studies and Scientific Innovation Across Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Human Healthcare
Key Highlights
- Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai describes the new BSL-3 laboratory as an important achievement for scientific research in Chhattisgarh.
- The facility has been established at Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, Raipur, under the Subhas Chandra Bose Biotech Incubation Centre.
- Laboratory inaugurated on September 28, 2026, with its significance highlighted by the Chief Minister on October 12.
- Advanced infrastructure expected to support infectious disease research, vaccine studies and improved diagnostic capabilities.
- CM Sai congratulates Vice-Chancellor Dr Girish Chandel for his contribution to developing the facility.
- Laboratory expected to strengthen the One Health approach and encourage specialised scientific training.
Raipur: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has said that the establishment of an advanced Biosafety Level-3 (BSL-3) laboratory at Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, Raipur, will strengthen the state’s capabilities in scientific innovation, infectious disease research and modern biotechnology. Highlighting the importance of the facility on Monday, October 12, 2026, the Chief Minister said the laboratory would open new opportunities for studying infectious pathogens, developing advanced diagnostic methods and supporting research into vaccines and treatments, while encouraging cooperation among institutions working in agriculture, animal husbandry and human healthcare.
The laboratory has been established under the Subhas Chandra Bose Biotech Incubation Centre developed by the Chhattisgarh Biotech Promotion Society on the university campus. The facility was inaugurated on September 28, 2026.
The Chief Minister described the development as an important addition to Chhattisgarh’s scientific infrastructure and a step towards strengthening research preparedness against infectious diseases.
CM Sai Highlights New Possibilities for Scientific Innovation
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said modern laboratory infrastructure would provide scientists and researchers with greater opportunities to undertake specialised investigations into infectious pathogens and related health challenges.
“The advanced Biosafety Level-3 laboratory at Indira Gandhi Agricultural University will give a new direction to high-level biosafety research in Chhattisgarh and play an important role in scientific innovation and the prevention of infectious diseases,” Sai said.
He emphasised that the facility would support the scientific study of infectious diseases and encourage the development of improved diagnostic technologies, vaccines and therapeutic approaches.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the new infrastructure would strengthen the state’s research capabilities and create opportunities for scientific collaboration.
Scientific Advancement Supports PM Modi’s Viksit Bharat Vision
Linking the initiative with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat, Chief Minister Sai said the expansion of scientific research and biotechnology facilities was essential for long-term development.
“The expansion of scientific research, biotechnology and modern laboratory facilities in Chhattisgarh is an important step towards the state’s overall development in accordance with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India,” the Chief Minister said.
He noted that advanced scientific facilities were particularly relevant to Chhattisgarh because agriculture and animal husbandry remain important components of the state’s economy.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, alongside Dr Girish Chandel, Vice-Chancellor of Indira Gandhi Agricultural University and Chief Executive Officer of the Chhattisgarh Biotech Promotion Society, and university officials, at the inauguration of the Subhas Chandra Bose Biotech Incubation Centre in Raipur on Monday, September 28, 2026. The centre houses the newly established BSL-3 laboratory, designed to strengthen infectious disease research, biotechnology and advanced diagnostics.Photo:channel24india.com via CG/DPR (File Photo)
Strengthening scientific research in these sectors could contribute to better understanding of diseases affecting crops, livestock and human populations.
BSL-3 Laboratory Established at Subhas Chandra Bose Biotech Incubation Centre
The new laboratory has been established within the Subhas Chandra Bose Biotech Incubation Centre at Indira Gandhi Agricultural University.
Developed by the Chhattisgarh Biotech Promotion Society, the facility represents an important addition to the state’s specialised research infrastructure.
Biosafety Level-3 laboratories provide enhanced containment arrangements for authorised research involving certain infectious agents that require specialised precautions.
Such facilities require controlled access, trained personnel, appropriate engineering safeguards and strict laboratory safety procedures.
The new infrastructure is expected to support advanced scientific investigations within its approved technical and regulatory scope.
CM Sai Congratulates Vice-Chancellor Dr Girish Chandel
Chief Minister Sai congratulated Dr Girish Chandel, Vice-Chancellor of Indira Gandhi Agricultural University and Chief Executive Officer of the Chhattisgarh Biotech Promotion Society, for his efforts towards establishing the laboratory.
He appreciated the university’s contribution to strengthening scientific infrastructure and biotechnology research in Chhattisgarh.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the new facility would encourage research collaboration and provide opportunities for scientists, research scholars and technical professionals.
Infectious Disease Research and Vaccine Studies to Receive a Boost
The laboratory is expected to strengthen scientific investigations into infectious pathogens and diseases affecting human and animal health.
The facility could support research associated with vaccine development, therapeutic interventions and advanced diagnostic methods, subject to applicable biosafety approvals.
“The laboratory will provide scientists and researchers with new opportunities to study infectious pathogens and undertake vaccine- and treatment-related research under advanced biosafety standards,” Sai said.
The Chief Minister emphasised that modern research facilities would help strengthen the state’s scientific preparedness against infectious diseases.
The establishment of the laboratory creates opportunities for future research, although it does not itself indicate that specific vaccines or treatments have already been developed.
Zoonotic Disease Research Gains Greater Importance
Chief Minister Sai highlighted the importance of studying zoonotic diseases, which can spread between animals and humans.
Such diseases have implications for veterinary medicine, public health, animal husbandry and rural livelihoods.
The laboratory is expected to support research and surveillance relating to infectious diseases affecting animals and humans.
The facility could also contribute to improved diagnostic research and scientific preparedness for disease outbreaks.
A view of the specialised water-shower access area of the advanced Biosafety Level-3 laboratory established under the Subhas Chandra Bose Biotech Incubation Centre at Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, Raipur. The facility, inaugurated on Monday, September 28, 2026, is expected to support research into infectious pathogens, zoonotic diseases and biosafety under the university’s scientific leadership. Photo: channel24india.com via CG/DPR (File Photo)
In Chhattisgarh, where agriculture and livestock remain closely connected with rural livelihoods, greater cooperation between veterinary and public health institutions could provide important long-term benefits.
One Health Approach to Strengthen Scientific Cooperation
The Chief Minister said the laboratory would contribute to strengthening the One Health approach, which recognises the interconnected relationship between human health, animal health and the environment.
The approach encourages collaboration among medical professionals, veterinarians, agricultural scientists, environmental specialists and public health institutions.
“The laboratory will play an important role in strengthening the One Health approach, which is based on the interconnected relationship between human health, animal health and the environment,” Sai said.
He expressed confidence that the facility would encourage scientific cooperation and research into diseases affecting agriculture, livestock and human populations.
University’s Existing Research Infrastructure to Be Strengthened
Indira Gandhi Agricultural University has been contributing to agricultural research, biotechnology and the development of modern scientific facilities.
Its existing phytosanitary laboratory supports testing and research involving agricultural samples, soil, water, crop residues and other materials.
The establishment of the BSL-3 laboratory is expected to complement these facilities and strengthen the university’s research capabilities.
The new infrastructure could encourage interdisciplinary collaboration among agricultural scientists, microbiologists, veterinarians and researchers working in related fields.
Advanced Training Opportunities for Scientists and Research Scholars
The laboratory is expected to create opportunities for specialised scientific training and research under advanced biosafety standards.
Scientists, research scholars, laboratory technicians and other technical professionals could benefit from access to modern laboratory infrastructure.
The Chief Minister emphasised that the facility would contribute to the development of skilled scientific human resources in Chhattisgarh.
Effective operation of a BSL-3 laboratory requires trained personnel, appropriate safety procedures, regular maintenance and institutional oversight.
Disease Surveillance and Outbreak Preparedness to Receive Support
Chief Minister Sai expressed confidence that the laboratory would develop into an important scientific facility supporting infectious disease research, disease surveillance, biosafety studies and preparedness against potential outbreaks.
Advanced laboratory infrastructure can strengthen scientific institutions by enabling specialised investigations and encouraging research partnerships.
The facility could also support cooperation among institutions working in agriculture, animal health, biotechnology and public health.
Its long-term contribution will depend on sustained institutional support, qualified personnel, biosafety compliance and the scientific outcomes achieved through research.
New Chapter in Chhattisgarh’s Scientific Research
The establishment of the advanced BSL-3 laboratory represents an important addition to the scientific infrastructure available at Indira Gandhi Agricultural University.
By creating opportunities for research involving infectious diseases, biotechnology, animal health and advanced diagnostics, the facility has the potential to strengthen Chhattisgarh’s capacity for specialised scientific investigation.
The initiative reflects the growing importance of scientific innovation and modern laboratory infrastructure in addressing challenges associated with agriculture, public health and environmental conditions.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed confidence that the laboratory would emerge as an important facility for infectious disease research, zoonotic disease studies, biosafety and outbreak preparedness, while strengthening the national research profile of Indira Gandhi Agricultural University.
