China moves to avoid nuclear disaster

Beijing, Mar 17: In the aftermath of the nuclear disaster that has engulfed Japan, countries around the world are becoming increasingly scared of a similar disaster. Countries that have nuclear reactors spread across the length and the breadth of their geographies, have now started to halt works and do a reality check on where they stand in terms of preparedness to avert a disaster that can impair generations to come.

China has now become the latest country to halt plans of proceeding with nuclear plants. It has already suspended approval for new nuclear power stations and that apart it has also decided to carry out checks at existing reactors and also at hose under construction.

China has nearly two dozen nuclear reactors and is working on building 27 more.

Following a meeting chaired by Premier Wen Jiabao, China's state council said in a statement, "We will temporarily suspend approval for nuclear power projects, including those that have already begun preliminary work, before nuclear safety regulations are approved...Safety is our top priority in developing nuclear power plants."

China has now joined Germany, which suspended works at its world reactor and has ordered a review of the other existent ones. India too has ordered a review of its Jaitapur nuclear plant.

OneIndia News