India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) project – a study to understand the properties of atmospheric neutrinos through an underground lab - in Theni district is awaiting a final nod from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
“We have done all the pre-approval work such as fencing, constructing basic necessary buildings at Madurai. But the first step towards the main project needs PMO approval and that’s what we have been waiting for,” Naba K. Mondal, chief of INO project told PTI.
Christened ‘India-based Neutrino Observatory’ by the Department of Atomic Energy, the project will study atmospheric neutrinos some 1,300 metres below ground near Pottipuram village of Theni district and is expected to provide precise measurement of neutrino mixing parameters. INO was initially allotted Rs. 83 crore to start various pre-project activities at the site.
The proposed INO comprises of two underground laboratory caverns with a rock cover of more than 1000 metres all around to house detectors and control equipment, for which a two kilometre access tunnel would be driven under a mountain, according to the INO website.
More than 30 research institutions across India like Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Harish Chandra Research Institute are coordinating with INO for the project.
