As per the news reports, Plutonium was detected in soil at five locations on the grounds of an earthquake — and tsunami-damaged nuclear power plant, heightening fears about radiation contamination from Japan’s worst nuclear crisis. Efforts to contain the nuclear radiation at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station continues, while death toll stands at 11,102 and 16,493 people are reported still missing- post quake and tsunami.
The tragic combination of deadly earthquake, tsunami and nuclear radiation has raised questions on safety aspects of the nuclear facilities world over. In my view, no nuclear plant design can ever be safe, if the nature decides to unleash its lethal forces! And nature will play its role on its own will. Then, why to go for nuclear energy and further risk our lives and that of other leaving creatures!
Many of us are under the impression that nuclear energy is fast emerging as an alternative form of clean and cheap energy source and that it accounts for a sizeable share in the energy pie-chart. But it is not so. For India, share of nuclear energy is barely 1% and in next twenty years i.e. by 2030 A.D., it is going to remain at this level! Even if we talk about the world average, share of nuclear energy is only 5% and in next twenty years it would be just 6%. We are heavily dependent on fossil fuels and we will remain so. Hence, instead of going nuclear, governments must put brake on it and put all its resources for development and use of the clean renewable resources of energy – solar, wind and hydel.
The nuclear tragedy in Japan is an eye opener for the governments and gives a reason to revisit their energy policy. If Japan- the perfectionist can fail in safeguarding its nuclear facility, what can we say about other nations! Hence, option of going nuclear must be reviewed earnestly – especially in case of populous India.
Apart from the concerns that this disaster has raised worldwide; this disaster also showcases the inner strength and discipline of the Japanese people, preparedness of the government, quality of construction and in general the law and order of the country- post the devastating combination of quake, tsunami and nuclear disaster. For instance, even in such trying moments we are yet to see chaos on the streets for food, water and medicines; Japanese media showed its maturity by not unnecessarily creating panic in the minds of its people and the world, regular training ensured that kids and the old – did what exactly was needed in such situation and most noteworthy- no looting and no incidences of rape! Hats off to Japan and its people for maintaining the poise even in such trying moments. While it shows their real character, it reflects on what we lack as a nation and as its responsible citizen!
Madhukar Mohan
