India rejects reports of radiation leaks at Kudankulam

COLOMBO: India today dismissed as "baseless" the reports here about radiation leaks at the yet to be commissioned Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant in Tamil Nadu, saying it has a robust regulatory mechanism to ensure safe operation.

"These reports are totally baseless. There has been no radiation leak at the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant," an Indian High Commission statement said.

It said presently, various works and commissioning tests as per laid down procedures are progressing.

This is in line with the stage-wise clearances accorded by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB). The AERB reviews the various reports of performance tests and accords clearance for the next stage to ensure safe operation.

An Indian delegation is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka in the near future for the second round of the dialogue on these and other areas of potential cooperation, including the area of safety.

"It is reiterated that safety is accorded utmost attention in Nuclear Power Plants and encompasses the entire gamut of activities associated with these Plants," it said.

Before operationalising the plant, all the performance parameters are thoroughly checked to ensure safe operation.

It is also reiterated that India has a robust regulatory mechanism and the AERB accords stage-wise clearances only after thorough review of operational parameters and conditions for various systems.

All nuclear power plant sites in India are capable of managing the radioactive wastes generated at these sites.

Each of them has adequate facilities for handling, treatment and disposal of such waste, in line with international standards.

The establishment and verification of appropriate emergency response plans is a mandatory prerequisite for all Nuclear Power Plants in India.

India and Sri Lanka have an ongoing dialogue on cooperation in the area of nuclear energy, including in the areas of isotope hydrology, radio-tracer studies and dam safety, the release said.

The relevant issues are being addressed in the spirit of the close and friendly relations existing between India and Sri Lanka.

In Sri Lanka, various groups have carried out public awareness campaigns against Kudankulam in the recent past.