(a) the safety norms laid down for our nuclear plants;
(b) whether these norms are adequate;
(c) if not, the reasons therefor;
(d) whether the Government proposes to establish an independent Nuclear Plant Monitoring system for the safety of Nuclear Plants;
(e) if so, the details thereof;
(f) whether the Government proposes to replace the obsolete reactors; and
(g) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE (SHRI PRITHVIRAJ CHAVAN):
(a)to(g) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 98 BY SMT. KARUNA SHUKLA AND SHRI KHIREN RIJIJU REGARDING SAFETY NORMS OF NUCLEAR PLANTS FOR ANSWER ON 09.03.2005.
(a) Yes, Sir. The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) has been entrusted with the task of laying down safety norms for our nuclear plants. The AERB has issued Safety Codes for Siting, Design, Quality Assurance and Operation of these plants. These codes are supported by Safety Guides which provide guidance on meeting the Requirements of the Codes. A number of safety guides dealing with various aspects of the Requirements of the Codes have also been issued by the AERB.
(b) Yes, Sir.
(c) Does not arise.
(d)& (e) This system is already in place. AERB is responsible for monitoring and enforcement of safety provisions in nuclear plants in the country.
(f) & (g) No, Sir. All our reactors have been upgraded from time to time and their operation is subject to meeting safety requirements. The safety of all nuclear reactors is periodically reviewed by the AERB and appropriate actions are taken based on such reviews to ensure that the reactors meet all specified safety norms. For reactors which have seen a service period of over 25-30 years, extensive safety reviews are conducted, that take into account the ageing related degradation also. Based on the outcome of such reviews, the required actions such as retrofitting and safety upgrades are implemented. For example, such actions have already been implemented in recent years for Rajasthan Atomic Power Station-1 (RAPS-1), Rajasthan Atomic Power Station-2 (RAPS-2) and Madras Atomic Power Station-2 (MAPS-2) and are being implemented for Madras Atomic Power Station-1 (MAPS-1), Tarapur Atomic Power Station-1 (TAPS-1) and Tarapur Atomic Power Station-2 (TAPS-2).