INDIA CALLS FOR CHECKS
TO NUCLEAR TERRORISM
India has
called for an integrated view of technology, safety, safeguards
and the newly emerging scenario with respect to nuclear terrorism
and finding holistic answers to these which would help eliminate
the barriers to large scale development of nuclear power in a
sustainable manner. Of late, nuclear terrorism has become the
biggest hurdle in the promotion of nuclear energy. The call was
made by the Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission and Leader
of the Indian delegation Dr. Anil Kakodkar at the 46th
General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA),
currently in session in Vienna.
Dr. Kakodkar
pointed out that at the present juncture nuclear power is simultaneously
witnessing stagnation, renaissance and growth in different parts
of the world. Stagnation is mainly due to threats of nuclear terrorism
as well as the failure of policy and opinion makers to realise
the positive contribution that nuclear energy can make in the
context of climate change and sustainability. It is ironic that
in spite of large energy potential with capability to meet global
needs on sustainable basis without any damage to environment,
the unfounded misconceptions continue to dominate and remain impediments
in the sustainable development of nuclear power, Dr. Kakodkar
averred.
