New Delhi: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said that measures for safe storage and management of spent fuel and nuclear & radioactive wastes are in place at all nuclear power plant sites in India, including Kalpakkam and Kudankulam in Tamilnadu.
After their use in reactors, spent fuel is kept in water-filled storage pools and is continuously monitored. In the case of Kudankulam, the fuel is also safeguarded by inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The spent fuel storage pools are designed according to guidelines from the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), which align with international regulatory practices.
Dr Jitendra Singh also said that the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) has spent approximately Rs. 663 crore on its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs, with around 70% of that amount going towards the development of infrastructure in the villages around nuclear power plant sites.
In addition, a special Neighbourhood Development Program (NDP) has been implemented at a cost of Rs. 500 crore for infrastructure development and housing in the vicinity of the Kudankulam site.
