Experts discuss threats of handling radiation sources

The objective of the meet was to sensitise various stakeholders on the challenges of handling threats due to radiological dispersal devices and orphaned radiation sources and also sensitise them on the detection and preparedness for response to such radiological threats.

Members of the Emergency response team (drawn from all the DAE Units at Kalpakkam), State government officials, police officers, security personnel and southern zone ERC members attended the meeting.

KS Pradeepkumar, director of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) elaborated the significance of DAE in prevention, preparedness, and Response to potential radiation threats and emergencies.

The meeting also emphasised the safe operations of Indian Nuclear Radiation facilities and highlighted the contribution of Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR) and Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant to the energy requirement of TN.

BARC takes care of the radiological safety through their radiation safety experts, research and development related to radiation dosimetry, bio-assay, bio-dosimetry, atmospheric and aquatic dispersion models, development and usage of various radiation detection systems.

IGCAR supports DAE’s Nuclear Energy Programme and addresses nuclear security issues though Decision Support Systems besides developing national radiation early warning systems.