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| Atomic reactors not getting adequate fuel supply | | PM discusses vital nuclear issues at AEC meeting | | B L KAK
NEW DELHI, AUG. 26: Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, is understood to have strongly expressed himself against "unnecessary" noises against the Indo-US nuclear agreement. At a crucial meeting of the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC), chaired by the Prime Minister on Saturday, it was pointged out that the Indo-US nuclear agreement, once implemented, would meet the shortage of fuel at atomic reactors in India.
The meeting was convened to discuss some vital issues, including the Indo-US nuclear deal, fuel shortage at atomic reactors and security at nuclear installations. The meeting was attended by all members, including Atomic Energy Commission chairman, Anil kakodkar, National Security Advisor, MK Narayanan, Cabinet Secretary, BK Chaturvedi, chairman of the Prime Minister's Science Advisory Council, CNR Rao, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) Director, Srikumar Banerjee, former c hairman of Atomic Energy Commission, MR Srinivasan, and Minister of State in the PMO, Prithviraj Chavan.
The Prime Minister convened the meeting at a time when atomic reactors in the country are not geting adequate supply of fuel. Manmohan Singh was reported to have referred to Tarapur nuclear plant, which was on the verge of shutdown had Russia not c ome forward with uranium supplies. The media was not given full details of all that transpired at the meting.
However, it was stated that the quantum of shortfall of fuel and means to address it cam up for discussion. Nuclear plants in the country are currently operating at 65 percent of their installed capacity. According to sources, participants at the meeting agreed that the Indo-US nuclear agreement, once implemented, is expected to meet the shortage of fuel as it will allow the international community to supply the much needed uranium.
The shortage of fuel could hamper India's plans to generate 20,000 MW electricity from nuclear plants by 2020. It was officially stated that another important issue which figured at the meeting was that of security at nuclear installations. The meeting was held to assuage public and scientific community fears about certain clauses in the July 18, 2005 Indo-US civilian nuclear energy cooperation deal. The deal provides India access to US atomic fuel and equipment without having to sign the NPT.
The meeting was reported to have discussed a set of new measures to ensure fool-proof security c over for the country's nuc lear installations. Security at nuclear facilities across the country was stepped up, following reports that terrorists might target these installations. |
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