The Jaitapur nuclear project is courting too many risks

An article on Jaitapur nuclear project, published in one of the leading news papers in India today seems to be misleading the common man who is not aware of the radiation risks and nuclear power reactor safety. The project is not courting too many risks. The article shows the lack of in-depth knowledge of the writer on the subject.

It is very difficult to comprehend the real reasons for someone to delay the project causing avoidable delays in starting and completion of India’s infrastructure projects. India needs power for its development. Nuclear is undoubtedly the cleaner power as compared to coal and gas.

There are insignificant numbers of fatalities reported from incidents/accidents in nuclear reactors! There is absolutely no justification for over-protection. Today, any major power project or other infrastructure projects commonly consider and provide for seismicity, floods and terrorist activities while designing the plants/projects. Safe management, including transport of radioactive waste is well established and regulated rigorously in Indian nuclear facilities. France is one of the countries which believed strongly in the use of nuclear as the major contributor for their power requirements. They are the masters in the technology. There is some risk of using any technology for the development. Only ensure that the benefits outweigh the risks.

In a rough estimate, about 20 to 30% of the total projects cost goes for safety related systems to ensure safe operations of nuclear reactors. Just imagine how much money is spent to save a single life? Is it justified?

See this in comparison with the figure of 1,96,000 people in India were killed in road accidents alone in 2007 (WHO figures)! Let us not oppose infra projects just for opposing or for political gains.