Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses nuclear scientist Rajiv Nayan on Friday opined that the radioactive leak that was detected at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in the national capital might be a case of bad packaging, while praising the disaster agencies for their containing the situation professionally.
"It seems like a case of bad packaging which has not been done as per the guidelines of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The IAEA has got very detailed guidelines which are maintained in codes and manuals by national governments," Nayan told ANI.
"The second problem appears that the leak was not detected while it was being uploaded in the aircraft. The leak has been contained now. We have got very professional agencies like the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, the National Disaster Management Authority which appeared to have done the work professionally," he added.
Nayan further said that India has had decades of experience in handling radioactive substances.
"Such radioactive material, if not contained properly, may prove dangerous for the environment: human beings and all other living organisms. But we must remember that this material is used for cancer-treating purposes so it doesn't have that kind of dangerous security implications. We have got decades of experience in how to handle such substances," he said.
As per reports, the consignment of sodium iodine (which is used in cancer treatment) from Turkey meant for a private hospital, had leaked in a small area of the cargo hold and was quickly isolated.
The plane in which the consignment arrived at the IGI airport has also been isolated while two people who handled the consignment have been sent to AIIMS, add reports.
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh assured that the radioactive leak has been plugged.