The Hindu Business Line : `N-power vital for economic growth'

The Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Dr R. Chidambaram, speaking at a workshop on nuclear science and technology in the Andhra University in Visakhapatnam on Monday. The Atomic Energy Commission Chairman, Dr A. Kakodkar, is seen to his left. - K.R. Deepak

Visakhapatnam , April 11

NUCLEAR power is essential for India's continued economic growth, as fossil fuels are getting fast depleted and the increasing levels of carbon emissions are contributing to global warming, according to the Dr R. Chidambaram, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India.

Inaugurating the two-day workshop on the impact of nuclear technology organised by the Andhra University and the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) here on Monday, Mr Chidambaram said that the view was gaining ground in the West too, the US in particular, that nuclear energy could no longer be ignored and ecologically it was much more desirable than the other forms of energy.

Dr Chidambaram said, "The Americans have woken up to the fact now. But because of years of neglect they are now short of the required technical personnel. We have the manpower and technologies to make use of nuclear energy. We have the technical solutions to deal with nuclear waste."

He said the ramifications and applications of nuclear technologies were many and they would give a big boost to different sectors. However, the thrust should be on nuclear energy. "The Indian rupee is strong. The gestation period for nuclear plants has been brought down and the interest rates are down. These factors will help in setting up many more reactors. At present, work is in progress on eight reactors and a fast breeder reactor," he said.

Dr A. Kakodkar, Chairman of Atomic Energy Commission, said the proposed BARC here would further give a boost to research in the field. Both the Andhra University and BARC would work together in the endeavour. He echoed the views of Dr Chidambaram on nuclear energy.

Prof P. Veerraju, Principal of AU College of Science and Technology, presided over the function.

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