May 24, 2002	Friday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 11,1423

NEW DELHI, May 23: With the threat of war rumbling ominously on the horizon, India’s jittery public has been offered the chance to buy a portable nuclear shelter.

While no price tag has yet been attached, India’s leading defence research organisation said it can supply shelters that can provide protection to 30 people for up to 96 hours, a defence spokesman said Thursday.

The shelter can also act as a command post, observation post and as a communication centre, the spokesman said.

Built by the state-run Defence Research and Development Organisation, the construction is kitted out with its own power supply, water storage tanks and toilets.

The defence spokesman said the shelter is going to be used primarily for the security forces, although it could be used by civilians as well.—AFP