20 yrs nuclear plant exposure = 1 X-ray shot

The radiation exposure for those residing around a nuclear plant for 20 years is equal to a dose of radiation from a single x-ray!

This needs to be stated because of the negative publicity attached to the Koodankulam Nuclear Power Project (KKNPP).

The plant has been designed by experts complying with international standards. Hence the concern that those staying near the plant are prone to cancer is baseless.

What about the health of hundreds of employees working at various nuclear plants?

The ongoing stir is delaying the commissioning of the Rs 13,000-crore project earlier slotted for the end of 2011 indefinitely.

The KKNPP, built by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India withRussian collaboration, has two reactor units, each of 1,000 MWe.

The design of the plant is in keeping with the ‘third-plus’ generation of nuclear plants – the safest available.

After visiting Koodankulam, former President, Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam said, “All the four important aspects of safety –structural integrity, thermal hydraulic, radiation and neutronic safety – have been incorporated in keeping with the highest standards.”

Comparing VVER technology used in the Koodankulam reactor (which is a generation 3+ nuclear reactor) with the 40-year-old technology of the Chernobyl plant (a first generation nuclear plant) is absurd. Technology has improved by leaps and bounds since the Chernobyl accident and has been put into practise globally.

Contrary to false propaganda, water expelled by a nuclear plant creates an ambience ideal for fish-breeding due to the increase in temperature by a few degrees Celsius.

There is no danger to the plant in the event of a tsunami as wave height in this region would not exceed 5.44 m, and the reactor, turbine and generators are located above 8.1 m.

Solar and wind energy limitations call for an increased dependence on nuclear technology for the production of green power.

Electric energy will act as a catalyst in the development of small and big industries and agriculture. Isn’t it high time the state and centre intervened and ended this agitation?

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