Justice Dipak Misra directed the Nuclear Power Corporation of India and the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board to take all the steps for ensuring the safety of the plant. The duo set a 15 point agenda for looking into the safety of the reactor. They also stated that various expert groups have opined that there would be no impact on the life around the plant because of radiation.

The KKNPP comprises two Russian VVER-1000 reactors (Vodo-Vodyyanoi-Energetichesky reactor), each with a capacity of 1,000 MWe. The cost of the project is approx USD 3 Billion. 4 more units have also been approved.

There are protests against the plant including fishermen from Kanyakumari, Tuticorin and Tirunelveli districts. Peoples Movement Against Nuclear Energy (PMANE) at Idinthakarai has announced further protests disregarding the Apex Court order.

Related Newss:

1. India commissions second nuclear Reprocessing Plant at Tarapur
2. Supreme Court issues guidelines to curb eve teasing
3. Europe wants nuclear operators to foot €25 billion for reactor safety

As per the release “Surveillance by U.S. intelligence of the Indian test site at Pokhran was intense. Declassified e-mails by Arms Control and Disarmament Agency staffers indirectly discuss satellite reconnaissance photography of the test site noting the mysterious rearrangement of cables possibly connecting to a test device. The e-mails provide readers with a sense of the difficulty of analyzing satellite photographs of intricate human-made structures. One of the e-mails, for instance, has this title: “The Mystery of the Cables Continues.” The messages are also laden with humor: the apparent installation of a satellite TV dish, said one, could provide: “MTV for those long, lonely nights.

Bill Clinton and PV Narasimha Rao’s press conference, 19 May 1994 – Source William J. Clinton Presidential Library.

“The initial reaction to the Pokhran activity was that Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao probably ‘will not authorize a nuclear test in the near future. “Indications that a site in western India is being upgraded for that purpose. Though a nuclear test might boost his re-election prospects in April, it would almost certainly provoke international sanctions against India and further jeopardize his governments economic liberalization program,” reads the document.

On detection of preperations, the document states “We first became aware last November of increased activity near the location of India’s 1974 “peaceful nuclear explosion.the activity included improved perimeter security, other infrastructural upgrades, «and placement of a large amount of dirt believed to be stemming material to cover a device once it has been lowered down a test hole to drill shafts.

“The technicians want to test. The activity brings the site to a heightened state of readiness in the event Rao makes a decision to conduct a test. But, it says nothing about his inclination to conduct a test. Rao’s scientists may be pushing for one more test of India’s unproven nuclear designs,which probably needed significant reworking after the near failure of 1974 test.

“This perceived need is made more urgent by the Comprensive Test Ban treaty (CTBT) talks. It would be vintage Rao, however, to answer builting pressure from nuclear ‘Hawks’ in his scientific community by allowing them to proceed with preparations for a test, while not authorizing them to conduct one.

“But Rao does not, Rao might have been tempted to authorize nuclear test to help his chances in the April elections. But it is by no means clear how much of an electoral boost he could expect. Most respondents in an early -December public poll said they favoured India conducting a nuclear test. But the question was at the bottom of their list of important concerns facing the country.

“Though initial media reaction to report of nuclear test preparations strongly supported such a move in defiance of foreign pressure. The press has recently adopted a more measured tone. Some observers argue that India should sign the CTBT and refrain from conducting a nuclear test. The main opposition party, the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janta party (BJP), has not altered its long-held public position that India should explicitly develop nuclear weapons. But, it has not tried to increase the pressure on Rao to do so since mid- December, when articles about test preparations first appeared.”

US sent its Ambassador to India, Frank Wisner, to meet AN Verma (the PM’s principal secretary) to dissuade India from testing. US thought the concerns should be delivered privately as a public statement will be counter productive. US approached Japan to put pressure on India by issuing a demarche.

A Joint Atomic Energy Intelligence Committee, which was monitoring process at the Indian nuclear site called it “Our exciting desert watch.” On day 2 of the watch, the observers reported ‘short cables.’ The references to cables are to diagnostic cables that would be put down the test hole for measurement purposes, but the discussion of “shorter cables” needs to be explained, especially what made them a characteristic of U.S., Chinese, and “Russkie” nuclear tests. The mail was sent by some obscure ITAIN Division.

“No significant activity occurred over the weekend. The cable at drill site 2 was rearranged into shorter lengths (similar to how the US, Russkies, and China do/did it). Two parallel lengths of cable were seen and appear to be connected by a thin strand of cable. Oddly, while the activity with the cable is at site 2, all the personnel activity appears to be at site 3.”

Another email on 12/13/95 3:26pm to South Asian Romp n’ Stomp states “No significant activity has occurred at Thar Desert since yesterday. The cable has not been lowered down the hole (by all appearances) but has “changed” shape once again. Where it first appeared to be one thick cable, it then became two smaller cables connected by a thin cable, It now appears to be FIVE small cables. There have been no changes to the stemming pile.”

12/15/95 2:59pm email wrote

“The Mystery of the; Cables Continues…..

One of the cables (identified as the “thin” cable)’appears te have been stretched to the generator shed and a new “thick” cable may have arrived. However, NPIC isn`t sure that the new “thick” cable isn’t the same cable as the old “thin” cable just seen from a different (better) angle The “thick” cable is described as being in a zig-zag pattern. Confused yet? Such is life at Drill Site 2.

At Drill Site 3, activity has returned to the previous high levels. Lotsa trucks and folks, some construction equipment, 4-6 unusual small»diameter cylindrical objects, and best of all, a probable television satellite dish. MTV for those long, lonely nights. Everything else is clear as mud.”

Politicians and not Scientists (technicians) pushing for the test

Caroline Russell of Department and the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency (ACDA) wrote an email to Lawrence Schein, Robert Rochlin et al., on 8 July 1996

“The answer from Joe re my question on couldn’t they do this soon if only for political reason’s. I agree with him that BARC will need to scramble to get this done. There are several India watchers (including the folks at Livermore) who believe the whole move to test is coming from the politicians and NOT the technical community because the technical community knows how inadequate India’s capability is in this area and fears that something would go wrong that would set the nuclear program back.

I’m checking with Brian now to see how far along the 1C thinks ‘they could be, While I think India like to get real data from a test, given the CTBT deadline and that î think a test now would be primarily for political reasons, I think they would be willing to forego a more extensive test in order tn pop something off before the end of the month I agree with Joe, if they rush this, it is likely to get screwed up ie., there is a real possibility of major venting.”

One document deals with the measures conveyed to PM Rao of the testing went ahead. It included Glenn Amendment, opposing loans in international agencies etc. One documents also give information how US tried to speak Atal Bihari Vajpayee against testing. Vajpayee’s body language showed that he was pro testing.

Related Newss:

1. US response to Indian 1974 nuclear test was moderate says report
2. Suspected under ground nuclear test by North Korea as geologists suggest artificial termor
3. Nuclear capable 350 km Prithvi-2 missile successfully test fired

Radiation from approximately 5000 diagnostic radiology facilities utilizing X-ray units in the country is a potential hazard to people undergoing diagnostic X-ray procedures. Poorly designed or operated X-ray units threaten radiation exposure to the patients and the operators.

AERB conducts safety reviews these machines and is the national regulatory body for enforcement of radiological safety regulations in India. AERB has stipulated various regulatory requirements for such X-ray facilities such as Design Certification, Type Approval , No Objection Certificate, Approval of Layout, Registration of X-ray Equipment, Commissioning of X-ray Installations, Certification of Radiological Safety Officers (RSOs) and Certification of Service Engineers.

Based in Mumbai, AERB was constituted on November 15, 1983 by the President of India by exercising the powers conferred by Section 27 of the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 (33 of 1962) to carry out certain regulatory and Safety functions under the Act. The regulatory authority of AERB is derived from the rules and notifications promulgated under the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and the Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986.

Related Newss:

1. International safety experts complete Rajasthan Atomic Power Station 3&4 inspection
2. Kaiga Atomic Power’s Unit 4 goes critical
3. India to establish Global Center for Nuclear Energy Partnership, works on Thorium fuel

The OSART recommended reinforcement of electrical cable conditions, fire door function and enhancing the plant’s surveillance testing programme. The team praised the constructive work environment and a sense of accountability among the power plant personnel. The power plant has a Management of Training & Authorization system for effective management of training activities; and the power plant uses testing facilities and mockups to improve the quality of maintenance work and to reduce radiation doses.

IAEA release says that the team provided the plant’s management with a draft of its recommendations, suggestions and good practices in the form of “Technical Notes” for factual comments. The technical notes will be reviewed at the IAEA headquarters including any comments on factual matters from Rajasthan NPP and the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board of India. The final report will be submitted to the Government of India within the next three months.

Related Newss:

1. IOC and NPCIL JV for Rajasthan Atomic Power Project, Estimated project cost is Rs 12,321 Crores
2. Punj Lloyd Group bags NPCIL’s EPC Nuclear Power contract worth Rs. 678 crore
3. Kaiga Atomic Power’s Unit 4 goes critical

On his last day in office on Thursday, the US envoy was asked about the American support for India to get the clean waiver from the Nuclear Supplier’s Group.

“With India’s commitment and as they look to ratify the Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage (CSC) and they work closely with the US companies, I am hopeful that the civil nuclear agreement will continue to move in a positive direction,” he added.

Roemer looking at the bigger picture said “We are working closely today in the fields of intelligence sharing and counter terrorism. We are working together on global issues and both India and US want a peaceful Afghanistan,” he said.

Summing up his achievements in his two-year tenure in the country, Roemer said the two countries have moved closer in a number of areas. “We have seen significant improvement in strategic defence cooperation including the recently agreed sale of the C-17,” he said.

Roemer said the two countries have moved closer on regional issues as peace in Afghanistan was in the “strategic interest” of both the countries and they were also working closely on the issue of Bangladesh and Africa.

Related Newss:

1. US to lift sanction of high tech export to India, to support entry into nuclear cartels
2. Nuvia India and PL Engineering JV for nuclear engineering and operational support services globally
3. Bhilwara Energy to raise Rs 230 crores, to offload 10% stake to IFC and Clean Energy Fund

In his new role, Atul will focus on developing customer relationships and growing Rolls-Royce presence in the Indian nuclear power market. Atul has extensive experience in the nuclear industry and the energy sectors, including working with Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited for 16 years.

Rolls-Royce provides nuclear power utility vendors and operators with integrated, long-term solutions and support services spanning the whole reactor lifecycle, from concept design through to obsolescence management and plant life extension. With nuclear expertise including component manufacturing, licensing, project and supply chain management as well as world-class engineering, the company has been a key player in the industry for over 50 years.

In April 2010, Rolls-Royce and Larsen & Toubro Limited, India’s leading engineering and construction company, signed a Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation to effectively address the projected need for light water reactors (LWR) in India and internationally. LWR technology is in more than sixty per cent of civil nuclear power plants operating worldwide.

Atul Tandon is a senior executive with 16 years’ experience in the nuclear industry working for the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited and has also held a number of senior roles with major corporations including Wärtsilä India Ltd. He holds a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering from the National Institute of Technology in Raipur, India and an Executive MBA from SP Jain Institute of Management Research in Mumbai, India.

Related Newss:

1. Rolls-Royce AE2100D3 to power Canadian C-130J tactical lifters
2. Rolls-Royce secures £75 million contract to support Malaysian adour fleet
3. ROLLS-ROYCE extends £865 million worth of support for UK’s Eurofighter Typhoon fleet

The scope of work includes engineering, procurement, erection and commissioning of nuclear equipment and piping for all the systems inside the nuclear reactor buildings. Out of the 4 Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR), two are located at Kakrapara Atomic Power Project, KAPP 3&4 near Surat in Gujarat and the other two are at Rajasthan Atomic Power Project, RAPP 7&8 near Kota in Rajasthan. The contract is scheduled to be completed in four years.

On winning the contract, Atul Punj, Chairman, Punj Lloyd, said: “This is a significant win which has opened new avenues for the Group in the booming nuclear power sector. With the government’s ambitious nuclear power target of achieving 63,000 MWe by 2032, the sector in India is poised for robust growth in the future. This contract will place us in the select league of EPC contractors having nuclear power project execution capabilities, strengthening our position both nationally and internationally.”

PL Engineering, a group company, is also working on NPCIL’s Rajasthan Atomic Power Project, RAPP 7&8. The company is carrying out detailed design and engineering for Balance of Plant. Simon Carves, another Group Company has been actively engaged in the nuclear industry since the 1950’s, delivering some of the world’s first nuclear power facilities. The company has provided services in the design and construction of associated nuclear process facilities in areas such as enrichment, fuel fabrication, new build and decommissioning including waste treatment. The company was involved in some nuclear power projects in the UK, which include New Fuel Oxide Plant, Vitrification Plant and Refurbishment South Dissolver Cell.

With this latest contract, the order backlog for the Punj Lloyd Group on a consolidated basis has gone up to Rs 24, 373 crore. This is the total value of unexecuted orders as on March 31, 2011, and new orders received after that day.

Related Newss:

1. Punj Lloyd Inks Pact with ST Kinetics to manufacture defence equipment in India
2. DST offers guaranteed funds worth Rs 5 crore for the ‘Power of Ideas’ initiative
3. 9,900-mw Jaitapur nuclear power project gets environmental approval

Indian prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, who is currently in Kazakhstan capital Astana said “In our view, nuclear energy is an important component of our energy mix in our national strategy to meet our future energy needs. In the light of the tragedy in Japan, we have embarked on a comprehensive review of the security and safeguard procedures at our nuclear plants. We look forward to our continuing cooperation with Kazakhstan in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.”

Kazakhstan has expressed interest in buying 235 MW Indian nuclear reactors and India is expected to begin a feasibility study.

Related Newss:

1. India and France sign $9.3 billon general framework agreement for Jaitapur Nuclear Plant
2. The United States Extends Strategic Nonproliferation Partnership with Kazakhstan
3. Arms Control Association flawed on Indo-US Civilian nuclear deal

The new facility is planned to be used for commercial exploitation in the future. The uranium and plutonium comprising the spent fuel from nuclear power reactors were are separated and re-used. The plutonium will be used for other requirements of new or existing power plants.

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh visits after inaugurating the Power Reactor Fuel Reprocessing Plant-2 at Tarapur, in Maharashtra on January 07, 2011.

The Prime Minister, DR. Manmohan Singh, while commissioning the second Power Reactor Reprocessing Plant said “We have come a long way since the first reprocessing of spent fuel in India in the year 1964 at Trombay. The recycling and optimal utilization of Uranium is essential to meet our current and future energy security needs. The vision of the founding fathers of our nuclear programme, Jawaharlal Nehru and Homi Bhabha, was to achieve the mastery of the complete fuel cycle, thus enabling India to use our vast and abundant thorium resources in advanced nuclear power reactors. The reprocessing of spent fuel is therefore the key to our three stage indigenous nuclear power programme. Reprocessing is essential in the transition to the second stage of fast breeder reactors which we have begun, and in the subsequent third stage using thorium in advanced reactors.”

Related Newss:

1. India to establish Global Center for Nuclear Energy Partnership, works on Thorium fuel
2. Dr Homi Nusserwanji Sethna passes away
3. India and France sign $9.3 billon general framework agreement for Jaitapur Nuclear Plant

The general framework agreement between Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and French company Areva has been signed for construction of nuclear power plant (NPP) units in Jaitapur in Maharashtra. The agreements, valued at about 9.3 billion dollars.

An ”Early Works Agreement” between NPCIL and Areva was also signed for the project. This is important for begging of the project.

Another agreement on ”Protection of Confidentiality of Technical Data and Information Relating to Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy” was also signed following the talks.

A cooperation agreement between the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and France”s atomic energy commission the Commissariat A L”energie Atomique Et Aux Energies Alternatives (CEA) was signed for engagement in the field of nuclear science and technology.

An agreement concerning intellectual property rights on the development of the peaceful uses of nuclear energy was also signed.

Besides those on nuclear cooperation, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Centre National D”tudes Spatiales (CNEc) for Cooperation also signed a pact for cooperation in the field of earth science and climate change.

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ambika Soni and French Minister of Culture and Communication Frederic Mitterrand inked an agreement on film co-production.

Related Newss:

1. 9,900-mw Jaitapur nuclear power project gets environmental approval
2. India and Singapore sign agreement for joint Army Exercises
3. India, B’desh sign transshipment agreement, to help Tripura power plant construction