(a) whether the nuclear device put on Nanda Devi mountain during operation ``Blue Mountain`` has not been traced so far,
(b) if so, the details thereof and the efforts made by the Government to trace it;
(c) whether the device emits nuclear radiation in the entire Himalayan region; and
(d) if so, the corrective steps proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF STATE, INDEPENDENT CHARGE FOR SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY AND EARTH SCIENCES, MINISTER OF STATE FOR PMO, PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS(SHRI PRITHVIRAJ CHAVAN):
(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) The nuclear device was a power source containing Pu-238 for powering a system which was installed at Nanda Devi. This power source was lost and has not been traced inspite of several attempts.
(c) The device contained only Pu-238, an alpha emitter, in sealed conditions.
There is no danger whatsoever of nuclear radiation either in the Himalayan region or in the
down stream of the river Ganga due to this device.
(d) Does not arise, in view of (c) above.