This refers to Devangshu Datta’s “The nuclear bargain” (March 25). Apparently, the Japanese have been able to ward off a nuclear catastrophe, but given India’s poor record in disaster management, can we hope to do the same under similar circumstances?
Serial blasts, fire, spent-fuel exposures and radiation leaks at the Fukushima plant were triggered by the close proximity of reactors to each other; a flare-up at one reactor would trigger explosion at the next. This calls into question the wisdom of policy makers in India to approve the construction of six to 12 large reactors at each of the proposed new nuclear parks. The much-hyped civil nuclear deal is a disguised attempt by the US to rehabilitate its out-of-work nuclear industry. The sudden concern for India’s energy needs and the West’s eagerness to help us out are confusing, especially when the West’s own nuclear reactors are being phased out without replacement.
Though the energy deficit may make nuclear power production imperative, rushing towards it without adequately addressing the associated risks is fraught with danger. Unlike localised one-time losses associated with thermal or hydro-power plants, the deleterious effects of a nuclear mishap are spread over time and geographies, and cause a huge number of victims a slow and painful death.
Ajay Tyagi, Mumbai
Readers should write to:
letters@bsmail.in or
The Editor, Business Standard,
Nehru House,
4, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg,
New Delhi 110 002,
Fax: (011) 23720201;
