HALF LIFE: Radioactive waste in India
The key question of waste when considering civilian nuclear energy is unanswered and undebated in India
3rd December 2009, New Delhi: Nuclear Energy generation is slated to rise in the coming decades from the present 3 percent to upto 20 percent in the energy mix of India. With climate change concerns, nuclear energy is now being brought back and reconsidered as 'clean' and 'zero cost' energy. The amount of waste created will increase manifold.
The report by Toxics Link and Heinrich Böll Stiftung India, for the first time, brings forth information in the public domain about the management of radioactive waste in the nuclear fuel cycle in India, in the book titled, ‘ Half Life-Radioactive Waste in India’, which was released at the India International Center on December 3rd, 2009.
‘Half Life’ focuses on the cycle of nuclear fuel and radioactive waste management with an emphasis on the need for environment friendly and cost effective ways of radioactive waste management, aligned with the nuclear programmes in the country with a taste of international experiences gained in search for a solution to nuclear waste disposal.
The key issues raised are about the quantum, costs and solutions of nuclear waste and the involvement of the public at large. Questions about costs, information transparency, independent regulation and risk management arise. There is also a need for public awareness and participation in siting, designing or building nuclear facilities, since information lack raises doubts about the safety and health security behind the nuclear waste management
The book also highlights that problems around the disposal of nuclear waste is an international phenomenon and a common challenge for all countries using nuclear power.
On the reminiscence of the day of the industrial disaster- the tragic Bhopal Gas Tragedy, and the eve of the Copenhagen Climate Conference, we remind ourselves the need for intelligent and environment-friendly nuclear waste management.
Publication Type: Reports