New Delhi: The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL) organized a workshop under the ‘One Week One Theme- Chemicals and Petrochemicals’ initiative on July 19, 2024. The event focused on quality assurance of water and the dissemination of Bharatiya Nirdeshak Dravyas (BNDs).
Dr. S.R. Dhakate, the senior-most scientist at CSIR-NPL, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the critical role of quality assurance in water management. The workshop’s convenor, Dr. S. Swarupa Tripathy, provided an overview of the event’s theme and emphasized the importance of using Bharatiya Nirdeshak Dravyas for ensuring water quality.
Certified Reference Materials (CRMs), branded as ‘Bhartiya Nirdeshak Dravya,’ are crucial for the testing and calibration of laboratories, ensuring that their quality meets international standards.
Pradeep Singh, Director of the Ministry of Jal Shakti, underscored the significance of water quality management in India. He detailed the ongoing water quality control program under the Jal Jeevan Mission, illustrating the nation’s commitment to providing safe drinking water to its citizens.
Ajay Tiwari, Head of Laboratory Policy & Policy Development at the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), explained BIS’s role in ensuring the safety and quality of packaged drinking water. He elaborated on the rigorous testing processes conducted by BIS laboratories to maintain high standards for packaged water.
CSIR-NPL also provided an overview of its activities related to Bharatiya Nirdeshak Dravyas, discussing their importance in standardizing and ensuring the accuracy of measurements across various scientific and industrial applications. These reference materials are essential for maintaining consistency and reliability in testing and calibration, supporting both national and international quality benchmarks.