nuclear-news

India’s nuke industry leading to dangers

Downside of more Indian N tests Pakistan Observer Sultan M Hali 16 Oct 09 There is a sudden flurry of revelations by Indian scientists that its 1998 thermonuclear tests were a failure and India needs to carry out more tests. ……. such a folly would have far reaching effects.
It would be a huge setback for India‘s relations with Washington, for the battle against terrorists, and for global efforts to halt the spread of nuclear weapons. ……………… the United States is bound by a 2008 agreement to cut off all sales of nuclear fuel and technology. That would be a huge setback to India’s plans to expand its nuclear power generation and its economy.It is feared that if India tests, Pakistan may follow suit……………………

Indian Atomic Energy Regulatory Board has documented more than 130 extremely serious safety issues in the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC); Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research; Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited; Uranium Corporation of India Limited: Indian Rare Earths Limited; Nuclear Fuel Complex (NFC), and Heavy Water Board.

Cirus, 40 MW has a history of developing radiation leaks. Candu reactors are suffering from massive leakage of heavy water. Waste tanks at BARC habitually develop major leaks. Dhruva suffers from design problems, fuel leakages.

The Fast Breeder Test Reactor of 40 MW at Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam, built with French assistance, was rated ‘not safe’, and discarded. Similar reactors, like Super Phoenix of France and Monju of Japan, were also discarded because of safety hazards. Incidents of leakage took place in Madras Atomic Power Station (MAPS) in 1986, 1988 and 1991. Rajasthan Atomic Power Plant, Narora, Kakrapar, Gujarat, Tarapur, Maharashtra, Russian VVER Light Water Reactor and NFC Hyderabad developed safety problems.
Pakistan Observer – Newspaper online edition – Article

October 17, 2009 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | 1, India, weapons and war | antinuclear, nuclear, nuclear weapons, radioactive