(a)whether the Government is aware of the apprehensions about nuclear safety in the country and if so, the details thereof;
(b)whether experts are of the opinion that India is having untested reactordesigns, used in atomic power plants and if so, the details thereof and thereasons therefor; and
(c)the steps taken by the Government in this regard and to have tested equipments in each of the plants?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS AND PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE (Dr. JITENDRA SINGH):
(a)Yes, Sir. There are apprehensions in some sections of the public about safety
of the nuclear power plants and loss of traditional means of livelihood like fishing and agriculture. These are addressed through ongoing public outreach programmes by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL).
(b)No, Sir. However, such opinions have been expressed in the press by some individuals, without any scientific basis.
(c)Safety is accorded utmost attention in all phases of nuclear power plants from siting, design, construction, commissioning and operation. The reactors are provided with multi-layer safety provisions and series of physical barriers to prevent the release of radioactivity beyond acceptable limits and thereby protect the personnel, public, and environment. The safety of the nuclear power reactors to be set up in the country is extensively reviewed at every stage by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), and the reactors are set up and operated strictly in accordance with its stage-wise clearances. The safety standards set by AERB are in line with international standards.
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