A top official of Madras Atomic Power Station on Sunday sought to allay fears of people on the safety of nuclear power plants, particularly at Koodankulam, saying there was no need to panic as all protective norms have been followed.
“There is no need to panic as all safety norms have been followed. Even in discharge of solid, liquid and air waste, what we have been doing all these days is well under the limits,” MAPS Director Mr K Ramamurthy said at a seminar on Koodankulam Power Plant Safety issues, organised by Chemical Industries Association.
He told reporters here that MAPS would create an awareness programme on educating people about safety standards adopted in a nuclear plant.
“We plan to conduct workshops on safety of nuclear reactors and also take those living near the plant on a visit to Madras Atomic Power Station at Kalpakkam. It will help them be aware about the safety measures adopted by us”, he said.
Though this practice was not in vogue in the past, it was being adopted now to help people learn about the ‘significant safety measures’ taken by scientists in a nuclear plant.
“We will extend this practice to other areas also. We also plan to take students from schools and colleges (under this exercise)”, he said.
Asked whether they would conduct similar workshops in Koodankulam, he said that would be decided by the Department of Atomic Energy and Government of India.
As the protestors in Idinthakarai continued their protest, the Government last week constituted a 15-member group of experts to clear “misconceptions” on the ambitious project.
The group, comprising specialists in environmental science, radiation safety, reactor design and safety, regulatory aspects, thermal ecology, seismology is expected to submit its report soon.