BSL-3 Laboratory to Give New Impetus to Biosafety Research and Open New Avenues for Scientific Innovation in Chhattisgarh: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai
Facility to Accelerate the Identification and Prevention of Infectious Diseases and Vaccine Research
Major Milestone for Research in Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Human Health
Raipur, October 2026 : Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has said that the state-of-the-art Biosafety Level-3 (BSL-3) laboratory established on the campus of Indira Gandhi Agricultural University in Raipur will provide a new direction to advanced biosafety research in the state. The facility will also play a significant role in promoting scientific innovation and preventing infectious diseases.
The laboratory will facilitate the identification and scientific study of infectious pathogens, research into vaccines and treatments, and the development of advanced diagnostic technologies.
The Chief Minister said that, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India, the expansion of scientific research, biotechnology and modern laboratory infrastructure in Chhattisgarh represents an important step towards the state’s overall development. He emphasised that such advanced scientific facilities are particularly important for Chhattisgarh, whose economy is significantly dependent on agriculture and animal husbandry.
The BSL-3 laboratory was established under the newly constructed Subhas Chandra Bose Biotech Incubation Centre on the university campus by the Chhattisgarh Biotech Promotion Society. The facility was inaugurated on September 28.
Chief Minister Sai congratulated and extended his best wishes to Dr Girish Chandel, Vice-Chancellor of Indira Gandhi Agricultural University and Chief Executive Officer of the Chhattisgarh Biotech Promotion Society, appreciating his efforts in achieving this important milestone.
Sai said the BSL-3 laboratory would accelerate the study and monitoring of infectious diseases affecting plants, animals and human beings, particularly zoonotic diseases that spread from animals to humans. The facility could prove valuable in the early detection of serious infectious diseases, strengthening preparedness for disease outbreaks and improving advanced diagnostic capabilities.
He added that the modern laboratory would provide a controlled environment meeting stringent biosafety standards. This would create new opportunities for scientists and researchers to study infectious pathogens and conduct research into vaccines and treatments.
The facility would also help establish better coordination among agricultural biotechnology, animal health and infectious disease research in the state.
The Chief Minister said the laboratory would play an important role in strengthening the One Health approach, which recognises the interconnectedness of human health, animal health and the environment. It would also expand opportunities for disease surveillance in agriculture and animal husbandry and for developing science-based solutions.
Sai noted that Indira Gandhi Agricultural University had already been making significant contributions to agricultural research, biotechnology and the development of modern laboratory facilities. The university’s phytosanitary laboratory plays an important role in testing and researching agricultural samples, soil, water, crop residues and other materials.
The establishment of the BSL-3 laboratory would further strengthen the university’s scientific research capabilities, he said.
The Chief Minister added that the facility would provide scientists, researchers, laboratory technicians and other specialists with opportunities for training and research in accordance with advanced biosafety standards. This would help develop skilled scientific human resources in the state while promoting the wider adoption of modern research techniques.
Sai expressed confidence that the BSL-3 laboratory would develop into an important scientific infrastructure facility for infectious disease research, disease surveillance, biosafety, the study of animal and zoonotic diseases, and preparedness for disease outbreaks.
He said the laboratory would give fresh momentum to advanced biosafety research in Chhattisgarh while further strengthening Indira Gandhi Agricultural University’s research capabilities and national recognition.
