Nuclear Power



Following the 9.0 magnitude undersea earthquake tsunami that hit Japan on March 11th 2011, wide ranging discussions on safety aspects relating to nuclear power has taken centre stage. The earthquake triggered giant tsunami waves washed away almost anything and everything coming in its way, in some of the places upto 10 km inland. The Japanese National Police Agency has confirmed over 13000 deaths and many more injured or missing. The multiple disasters further caused extensive and severe damage to over 125000 buildings, roads, railways as well as fires in many areas. The worst however was the effect on Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant (NPP). Though the structure could survive the “strong ground motion” and shut down automatically, failure of ancillary system to cool the reactors (necessary to remove decay heat after the reactor has been shut down, and to maintain spent fuel pools) resulted in multiple explosions creating a panic situation in the region.

Japan, situated in the high risk earthquake prone zone called the “Ring of fire” is considered the most aptly prepared to face any kind of eventuality arising out of an earthquake or a tsunami. The island nation besides ranked among the most technologically advanced and industrially developed, owing to its extraordinary level of preparedness is looked upon as world leader in earthquake proof technology. Yet the degree and extent of damage the nation suffered raises many questions especially on the safety aspects relating to nuclear power. After a month, even though not a single death has been reported due to radioactivity, the debate on nuclear safety refuses to loose centre stage.

The general public lacks expertise in issues relating to radiation hazard. More so, when the human senses are unable to detect nuclear radiation, fear and anxiety is bound to create irrational dread in peoples mind. A hoax SMS circulated immediately after the disaster advising recipients to remain indoors for the first 24 hrs after rains to avoid exposure to radiation stands testimony to our level of ignorance relating to the issue. It therefore becomes imperative for the government and the scientific community to explain in clear terms the risks and dangers associated with nuclear power so that awareness level among the mass could be raised and misconceptions removed.

As of now, India is relatively less dependent on nuclear power. But to meet the escalating energy demands of the country large nuclear reactor complexes are being planned. The moot point is when a developed nation like Japan which boasts of highest safety consciousness could cripple so easily, ours is only a developing economy. Post Fukushima, the proponents of nuclear power no doubt has been pushed to their back foot, but argue a “roll back” on nuclear power would be premature if not retrograde. We need to wait for the complete results of the inquest to come out before deciding firmly on the future of nuclear power.

The situation however warrants a thorough review based on the most current and advanced safety protocols encompassing the eminent as well as the unthinkable hazards associated with nuclear technology. The criteria for locating a nuclear reactor in areas prone to natural disasters, designing a backup system etc are only a few lessons to be learnt from Fukushima disaster. We need to tread cautiously.

Comments

Zubair Ahmed said…
An eye-opener on the dangers of a nuclear plant without proper safety protocols in place. India Nuclear Door Ast!
April 11, 2011 at 10:27 PM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Rising Ferry Fares in Andaman: 10-Year Analysis of Policy Failures and Impact

Image
A Decade of Rising Ferry Fares, Declining Services : Andaman & Nicobar’s Not-So-Funny April 1 Ritual By Debkumar Bhadra Every year on the  1st of April , the world observes April Fool’s Day—a day associated with harmless pranks and laughter. But for commuters in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the date over the past decade has evoked anxiety rather than amusement. This is because ferry fares unfailingly rise on this day, affecting local economy and the cost of living. This article examines the pattern of fare revision during the past 10 years, including administrative policy framework and the systemic inefficiencies, unravelling the gap between approved norms and actual implementation. The irony is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. When fare revision takes effect unfailingly on a date globally associated with playful deception, it raises an uncomfortable question. Is the timing chosen a mere coincidence or a carefully chosen date? A closer look reveals not just the ...
Read more

Transition in A&N Island’s Higher Education Framework Pushes Students into Academic Uncertainty

Image
By Debkumar Bhadra The decision to establish the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Institute of Higher Learning (NSCBIHL) as a deemed-to-be university marks a defining moment for higher education in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. For decades, the islands have aspired to build a locally administered university ecosystem. In principle, the creation of a university within the islands is a welcome and long-awaited step toward academic autonomy and regional development. However, the manner and timing of its implementation have pushed the island's students into academic uncertainty that merits thoughtful consideration rather than outright dismissal. The transformation from affiliation under Pondicherry University (a Central University) to a newly constituted Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Institute of Higher Learning (NSCBIHL), a deemed-to-be university represents a fundamental shift in the island's academic landscape. Establishing a university from scratch is not merely a matter of no...
Read more

Beyond the Deemed-to-be-University Debate, a Democratic Milestone for the A&N Islands

Image
What began as a demand for a Central University has transformed into a democratic awakening among students By Debkumar Bhadra The recent developments concerning higher education in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands may ultimately be remembered not merely as an institutional transition but as a defining moment in the democratic evolution of the islands themselves. The islands being a UT without legislation, have over the years functioned under a governance structure driven by bureaucratic decision-making headed by the Lt Governor. In such a framework, policy decisions emerge from administrative corridors with limited-to-no consultation with islanders, their elected representatives, including their lone Member of Parliament. This has created a perception that decisions affecting the lives and future of islanders are taken without adequate stakeholder engagement. The latest and most consequential of such decisions has been the establishment of the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose I...
Read more