ICMR Director General Dr. Rajiv Bahl has informed Rajya Sabha MP Ajeet Gopchade about the advancements in the National One Health Mission, focusing on genomic hubs and wastewater surveillance to counter biological threats.
- Integrated animal-human-wildlife surveillance active under the National One Health Mission.
- Wastewater surveillance to expand from 47 to 75 cities by 2027.
- Establishment of 5 genomic and metagenomic hubs for novel pathogen detection.
In a formal communication to Rajya Sabha member Ajeet Gopchade, the Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Dr. Rajiv Bahl, detailed the ongoing efforts to fortify India's biological defenses. The letter serves as a response to the MP's urgent call for a time-bound national biosecurity and biodefence strategy to mitigate risks from bioterrorism, bio-warfare, and laboratory-based accidents.
Dr. Bahl highlighted that the National One Health Mission is currently implementing a multi-pronged approach. This includes syndromic surveillance and a unified surveillance system that integrates human, animal, and wildlife health data to prevent the spillover of zoonotic diseases.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that India is transitioning toward a 'predict-and-prevent' model of public health. By investing in wastewater surveillance and genomic hubs, the government is building an early-warning system that can detect an outbreak weeks before it hits the clinical healthcare system, thereby reducing potential casualties and economic lockdowns.
"The convergence of human and veterinary health surveillance is no longer optional; it is a strategic necessity for national security in an era of emerging infectious diseases."
A critical component of this strategy is the expansion of wastewater surveillance. Currently, 13 priority pathogens are being tracked across 47 cities. The ICMR aims to scale this operation to 75 cities by 2027, providing a wider geographic net for pathogen detection.
Furthermore, the DG mentioned the establishment of five genomic and metagenomic hubs. These facilities are designed to sequence the genetic material of unknown pathogens, ensuring that India can develop diagnostic kits and vaccines rapidly in the event of a new biological threat.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is also playing a pivotal role, collaborating with various stakeholders to finalize a draft National Biosecurity Policy, which will provide the legal framework for managing hazardous biological agents.
| Metric | Current Status (2026) | Target (2027) |
|---|---|---|
| Wastewater Surveillance Cities | 47 Cities | 75 Cities |
| Pathogen Focus | 13 Priority Pathogens | Expanded Spectrum |
| Infrastructure | 5 Genomic Hubs | Integrated Network |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the 'One Health' approach?
It is a collaborative, multisectoral, and transboundary approach that recognizes the interconnection between people, animals, plants, and their shared environment.
2. How do genomic hubs help in biodefence?
These hubs allow scientists to map the entire genome of a virus or bacteria, helping to identify if a pathogen has been genetically engineered or has naturally mutated.
