India ramps up nuclear safety apparatus

April 15th, 2011 - 6:01 pm ICT by ANI  

By Naveen Kapoor

Astana (Kazakhstan), Apr 15 (ANI): In the wake of catastrophic nuclear meltdown in Japan, India is going an extra mile to ensure full proof security for its existing and new nuclear reactors. It plans to introduce two nuclear safety legislations during the monsoon session of Parliament.

According to sources, one bill will focus on radioactive sources and the second on an Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) amendment.

“The government is bringing the nuclear safety legislation in Parliament, and it will go to the Standing Committee, which is the best place where the whole set of issues can be dealt in a open manner,” a source said.

The AERB has been working as a subordinate of the Department of Atomic Energy, and there has been a long-standing demand to make it an independent and autonomous body.

The Department of Atomic Energy had formed four task force groups in the wake of the nuclear meltdown in Japan, out of which one has been recommended. Additional measures for safety and security of reactors have been listed.

The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) will look into the additional cost and whatever is needed the government will do,” the source added.

The government is also reviewing the criteria of site selection and whether there is a need for upgradation.

India is attempting to put in place world level safety standards prescribed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and would also establish an emergency response in case of nuclear accidents. (ANI)

Related Stories

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted in World |

Subscribe