(a) whether any study has been conducted in regard to adverse effects of radiation in villages near
nuclear energy plants working in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the details of the rehabilitation package offered to the inhabitants of these villages;
(d) whether the Government has negotiated with the State Governments in regard to these studies and
resettlement package; and
(e) if so, the reaction of the State Governments thereto?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS AND PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE (SHRI V. NARAYANASAMY) :
(a)&(b) Environmental Survey Laboratories (ESLs) are installed at all atomic power station sites under
Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) well before the commissioning of the reactor. ESLs carry out pre-operational
survey to establish the pre-operational baseline radioactivity levels of the site. During operation period of
the reactor, environmental samples such as air, water, soil, vegetations, agricultural produces, milk, meat
and other dietary products are collected periodically and analysed for radioactivity. ESLs are equipped with
highly sensitive instruments and sufficient infrastructure to analyse extremely low levels of radioactivity in
environmental samples. The radioactivity levels in environmental samples are compared with pre-operational
values in the respective matrix. The studies carried out at various power station sites have clearly indicated
that there is no unacceptable build up of radioactivity in the environment. The annual radiation doses to the
general public from nuclear plants are insignificant as compared to that received from natural background
radiation with no potential to cause any adverse health impact.
(c)to(e) Do not arise in view of (a) & (b) above.