INDIA'S NUCLEAR ENERGY CHALLENGES

India has announced an ambitious plan to expand its nuclear energy program by nearly 15 fold in the next 20 years, from the current 4,500 MW to about 62,000 MW by 2032.

The challenges faced at current nuclear plants and further challenges are:

Financing- Nuclear reactors being built today are almost 300% more expensive, than before.

Manufacturing Risks- Presence of foreign materials in parts, defects in steam generator tubing or weld material not meeting specifications, are all examples of things that could go wrong in the process of production.

Nuclear Waste- India does not have a long term waste disposal policy. Although the amount of nuclear waste (often referred to as radio-waste) is relatively small, much of it is highly radioactive and must therefore be carefully managed as hazardous waste or else the scope for damage is enormous.

Not prepared for emergency- Most nuclear power plants are situated near the border between two states. In case of an emergency, there are no relevant preparation plans for the neighbouring state. In case of the need for evacuation, The evacuation plans cover only a 16 km distance, whereas, the effects of radiation do not confine to only this distance.

Lack of public access to details- The public has no access to the details of even the routine releases from nuclear power plants. There is no independent agency in the country which can look into the safety records of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). Under the secrecy provisions of the Atomic Energy Act 1962, the Govt refuses to give the public access to critical information.

Conclusion-These nuclear power plant criticalities will become a major issue, if not addressed soon and adequately. The govt must step in forthwith, if it wishes to develop clean, abundant, reliable, and safe energy.

CURRENT NATIONAL PROBLEMS

Corruption     

One of the biggest problem being faced by our country today is corruption. Because of corruption, we are not able to execute our developmental programmes. Following steps need to be taken to obliterate corruption:- 

1. Implementation of RTI. 
2. Appointment of an Effective Lokpal. 
3. Expedite the slow delivery mechanism of our judiciary. 
4. Bring reforms in police and investigating agencies like CBI. 
5. The discretionary powers of the ministers should be taken away. 
6. Curb the nexus between politicians and bureaucrats.

Intelligence failure- Friends, today we have a fragmented and obsolete intelligence gathering and dissemination system. Let us merge & strengthen all the int agencies into one central agency with modern infrastructure.

Naxalism- 222 districts out of 636 districts in the country are badly affected by naxalism,. This is hindering our economic development. However, we must understand the root cause of the problem and solve it. Employment, better education, health and infrastructure are the solutions and not alone the arms.

Lack of Infrastructure- is another problem which is hindering our progress. We definitely need better roads, rail, power and better storage capacities. Better infrastructure would provide basic facilities to citizens and also bring more investors in the country.

Lack of Energy- is forcing the nation to procure approx 40,000 barrels of oil from foreign countries. However it is heartening to see that our country is going all out to seek renewable source of energy like solar energy. We are also building a No. of nuclear plants for energy production. We have taken steps and yet the problem persists.

International Equation- Friends, we aspire to become a super power in the coming decade, but it can’t be achieved without reaching out and seeking help of outside world. We cannot remain embroiled with our internal problems alone. We have started reaching out and the results are obvious in the case of Pakistan and Bhutan, wherein America and Japan respectively are helping us.