The Defence Research Laboratory (DRL), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Tezpur, hosted a two-day National Conference on Technologies for Mitigation of Disease Vectors and Other Jungle Hazards from 15 October 2025. The event brought together experts and stakeholders from diverse scientific and defence domains.

The inaugural session was graced by Dr. U.K. Singh, DS & DG (SSS), DRDO, Delhi as the Chief Guest and Prof. A.K. Buragohain, Vice Chancellor, RGU Guwahati as the Guest of Honour.

In his welcome address, Dr. Pramod Kumar Satyawali, Director DGRE and Centre Head, DRL, highlighted the significance of the conference in the context of biodefence and jungle warfare readiness. He underscored the urgent need for advanced technological interventions to combat vector-borne threats and pointed to the importance of avalanche mitigation technologies for Himalayan regions. Showcasing DRL’s innovative contributions, he mentioned technologies such as Capsispray, Capsigranade, High Altitude Biodigesters, and Water Quality Remediation systems each designed to enhance the operational capabilities and health security of troops serving in the challenging terrains of North East India. Dr. Satyawali also urged young researchers to dedicate themselves to soldier-support technologies and reaffirmed the laboratory’s commitment to nation-building through scientific innovation.

Addressing the gathering, Prof. A.K. Buragohain commended DRL for selecting a theme of great social and national relevance. He acknowledged the scientific community in India and abroad for their exceptional contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic and stressed the importance of continued innovation in public health and defence research.

Prof. A.K. Buragohain praised DRL for selecting a socially relevant and nationally critical theme and acknowledged scientists and researchers in nation and around the globe for commendable efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the keynote address, Dr. U.K. Singh emphasized the need for strong collaboration between defence R&D establishments, academia, and industry, noting that such platforms foster meaningful knowledge exchange across generations. He further expressed confidence that the deliberations of the conference would lead to impactful solutions for controlling vector-borne diseases within defence establishments, thereby safeguarding troop health and boosting operational readiness. He also highlighted the importance of organizational orientation and futuristic thinking in today’s scientific ecosystem with sustainable approach as well.

Distinguished dignitaries including Dr. M.M. Parida, Director, DRDE Gwalior; Dr. Selvam, Director (PM), DG(SSS); Dr. P.K. Bora, Director, NERIWALM; Shri Umesh Thapliyal, DIG (SSB) Frontier HQ Tezpur; and Brig. Kuldeep Astha, Brig Med, 4 Corps also attended the conference.

The two-day conference saw participation from over 95 delegates, including scientists, defence personnel, academicians, and students. Eminent speakers presented insightful papers and talks on diverse topics aligned with the conference theme. A parallel poster session showcased pioneering research in areas such as epidemiology and vector management, bioprospecting of flora and fauna for defence applications, novel repellents and diagnostics, and survival technologies for extreme environments.

 

PG/BM

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