'Nuclear emergency response framework evolved'

Bangalore, Sept 13: Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Anil Kakodkar today hailed the Emergency Response Framework, drafted by the Department of Atomic Energy to tackle radiation-related mishaps, as a highly evolved one.

Inaugurating the Emergency Response Centre (ERC) at the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research here, he said the centre was meant to extend technical support to the State Government authorities for radiation monitoring and advise on radiation protection in the event of presence of any radiation in the public domain.

''We have a well established and well rehearsed framework in place. Though such framework to tackle emergencies in nuclear installations, which is finite, is in place, we felt the necessity for establishing ERCs in public domain. As we move up the technology ladder on the one side, we benefit from it. However, we should also be equally ready to protect ourselves against accidents,'' he said.

The Bangalore centre is the 18th ERC, being set up by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) as part of the tenth plan project of DAE to establish a countrywide network of such radiation ERCs.

Dr Kakodkar said a well networked radiation emergency response system should be set up across the country with the expertise being made available by various agencies like Radiation Safety Officers, paramilitary forces like CISF, BSF, CRPF and civil defence personnel.

The department had located nationwide quick response teams to carry out rescue operations and manage the situation in the event of accidents connected with radioactivity to ensure that no additional risks were passed on to the public, he added.

Atomic Minerals Directorate Director Anjan Chaki said the Bangalore centre had been equipped with a variety of sophisticated equipment like portable gamma spectrometer, teletector, contamination monitors and trained personnel. A radiation mapping of the city had been carried out and periodic surveys to check for any variations and find out the causes were being done.

UNI

Related Stories