Nuclear facilities safe and secure

New Delhi — In reply to an unstarred question in Rajya Sabha today, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of Northeastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh furnished the details of the safety and security of nuclear power facilities in the country. The plants are required to obtain clearances from the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB). Nuclear safety and security aspects are reviewed by AERB before giving clearance for various stages of the projects from the stage of determining the site for a particular installation.

The AERB has specified safety and security requirements in its codes and guides which are commensurate with international standards. AERB has a rigorous process in place for reviewing safety and security aspects of the atomic power projects through multi-tier reviews, apart from periodic regulatory inspections, to ensure adherence to the requirements.

Various electronic surveillance and security measures have been taken at all nuclear power plant sites of NPCIL. The list of nuclear power plants in operation and under construction is as given below.

Reactors in Operation

*under extended shutdown

Reactors under commissioning/construction

*under commissioning

The total amount allocated in this regard in the last 5 years is approximately Rs 225 crores.

Adequate allocations have been made for installation, upgrade and maintenance of various surveillance equipment and other security measures at nuclear power plant sites.