The Hindu Business Line : Kakodkar dispels fears on uranium mining

The Chairman of Atomic Energy Commission (AEC), Dr Anil Kakodkar, has allayed fears on possible health and environmental implications of the proposed mining and processing of uranium in Nalgonda and Kadapa districts of Andhra Pradesh.

Addressing a press conference here on the sidelines of a national symposium on `Radiation processing of foods, food products and feeds' on Friday, he said there were absolutely no concerns.

He said the ore reserves in Kadapa comprised very low-grade uranium. "Uranium ore bodies all over the country are very dilute. Despite the low content of uranium in India, we are able to extract uranium from the ore and make it commercially success," he said.

The waste, though still radioactive, is not harmful. Also, there is a proposal to develop vegetation on the tailing ponds, making it a green field. Radiation would be much lower there than some high background natural areas (radiation emitted by natural sources).

Asked when the mining would commence, he said environmental clearances were awaited. "We are going through environmental clearances. Obviously, there are some difficulties. I'm sure we will be able to convince everybody," he said.

Nuclear energy

On the national nuclear energy programme, he said of the 10,000-MW target in the first phase, the country could achieve a total installed capacity of 3,600 MW.

An additional 880-MW capacity would be added in the next two years through four projects. While two would come up at Kaiga (Kaiga 3 and 4), the other two would be set up in Rajasthan (5 and 6).

While this would complete half of the 10,000-MW target, another 5,600 MW would be added in the next six to seven years. Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd is simultaneously constructing eight reactors of 700-MW capacity each, adding to 5,600 MW.

In the second stage, a 500-MW prototype fast breeder reactor would be taken up at Kalpakkam by 2010. After that a serious of fast breeders would be set up.

The third stage of the national nuclear power programme would start after the construction of a demo 300-MW advanced heavy water reactor.

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