New Delhi: India’s nuclear power plants operate under some of the most stringent safety protocols globally and remain well below international radiation emission thresholds, Union Minister Jitendra Singh told the Rajya Sabha. He emphasized that safety is the cornerstone of the country’s nuclear energy policy.
Dr. Singh informed the House that the global safety benchmark for radiation emissions is 1,000 microsieverts, while India’s nuclear plants consistently operate below this limit. He cited examples of significant reductions in radiation emissions at key plants, including Kudankulam, where emissions fell from 0.081 microsieverts a decade ago to 0.002 microsieverts today, and Kalpakkam, which saw emissions drop from 23.140 microsieverts in 2014 to 15.961 microsieverts in 2023.
“In the Department of Atomic Energy, we follow the rule of ‘safety first, production next.’ Every stage, from site selection to operational checks, is governed by stringent protocols,” Dr. Singh said during Question Hour.
Natural disaster resilience
Dr. Singh outlined measures to safeguard plants against natural disasters. Nuclear facilities on the eastern coast are over 1,300 kilometers from tsunami-prone zones in Indonesia, while those on the western coast, like Tarapur, are situated 900 kilometers from similar risk zones in Pakistan. Plants are also constructed above the highest recorded flood levels.
Milestones in nuclear energy
India’s nuclear energy sector has achieved several milestones, including the Kaiga Generating Station in Karnataka setting a global record with 962 days of continuous operation. Tarapur, the country’s first nuclear plant, has completed 50 years of successful operation. The indigenous Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) at Kakrapar, Gujarat, and the operationalization of the Kudankulam plant underscore India’s progress in nuclear technology.
“India is no longer just following global standards; we are now setting benchmarks that others aspire to achieve,” Dr. Singh said, highlighting the nation’s emergence as a leader in nuclear energy.
Beyond power generation
Dr. Singh also detailed the application of nuclear technology in agriculture, food preservation, healthcare, and security. These include the development of radiation-resistant crops, extended shelf life for perishable foods, advanced cancer treatments, and medical isotopes.
Addressing the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, Dr. Singh said the framework adequately safeguards public interests while ensuring a conducive environment for foreign and domestic investments.
Focus on sustainable development
India’s nuclear energy program, he said, contributes to sustainable development and carbon emission reduction. “India’s progress ensures domestic energy security and positions the nation as a trusted partner in global energy collaborations,” he added.
