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No compromise on nuclear safety, says Pratibha Patil

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Press Trust of India New Delhi

The government today said there will be no compromise on nuclear safety or livelihood of any section of society in India's pursuit of atomic power, a statement that comes against the backdrop of anti-nuclear protests in Kudankulam and Jaitapur.

Addressing a joint sitting of Parliament, President Pratibha Patil asserted that the country would more than double its nuclear power generating capacity in the 12th Five Year Plan period from 2012-17.

"My government attaches the highest priority to safety while harnessing nuclear energy, and will not compromise on safety or the livelihood of any section of society in the pursuit of our nuclear energy programme," she said.

 

Patil's remarks come a day after Japan observed the first anniversary of a massive earthquake and a devastating tsunami that killed several thousands and crippled nuclear power plants in Fukushima.

"After the Fukushima accident in Japan in March 2011, my government ordered technical reviews of all safety systems of nuclear power plants in the country," she said.

The reports of the safety reviews were made public and their recommendations for enhancing safety were being implemented, Patil said.

The President noted that the Nuclear Safety Regulatory Authority Bill has been introduced in Parliament.

"The installed capacity of nuclear plants in the country has risen to 4780 MW, and is expected to further increase to 10,080 MW by the end of the 12th Plan," she said.

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First Published: Mar 12 2012 | 12:59 PM IST

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