Question : DISPOSAL OF NUCLEAR WASTE

(a) whether low level radio-active nuclear waste generated after Pokhran Nuclear blasts has been dumped at Pokhran in Rajasthan;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the nuclear waste is posing a threat for the entire world;

(d) if so, whether the Government have developed any modern technique or drawn up any long term plan for the disposal of nuclear low level radio-active waste in the country;

(e) if so, the details thereof?

(f) whether any agreement has been signed with any foreign country for disposal of nuclear low level radio-active waste; and (g) if so, the details thereof?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY (SMT. VASUNDHARA RAJE)

(a) to (g) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.


STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.451 FOR ANSWER ON 20.12.2000 REGARDING DISPOSAL OF NUCLEAR WASTE BY SHRI BRAHMA NAND MANDAL. (a) There has been no dumping of any radioactive waste at Pokhran in Rajasthan. In fact it is well known that our nuclear tests did not cause any radioactive contamination in the environment and that the nuclear tests were totally contained.

(b) Does not arise.

(c),(d) & (e) No, Sir. India has been practicing the safest manage- ment of radioactive waste for over four decades and the technologies being employed in the country are `state-of-the-art` and comparable to the best in the world.

(f) No, Sir.

(g) Does not arise.