Stigma about nuclear energy needs to be addressed: Expert

Chandigarh, February 22

Nuclear power stations have safest industrial work environment and can easily fulfil the energy requirements of the country. However, there remains a stigma about nuclear energy in general public and that needs to be addressed.

This was stated by Dr Pradeep Kumar, Head, Radiation Safety System Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, here today. Dr Kumar highlighted that humans are exposed to natural radiation in everyday life but the exposure is well below the safe limits.

Dr Kumar was in the city to interact with participants during the second day of the residential training programme on “Global Warming, Climate Change and Disaster Management” being jointly organised by the School of Public Health, PGI, and the Centre for Public Health, Panjab University.

The training programme is financially supported by the Central Pollution Control Board, Ministry of Environment and Forest, New Delhi, including Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, New Delhi. The training programme is being attended by over 30 participants representing more than 15 states of India.

Dr Suman Mor, coordinator, Centre for Public Health, Panjab University, highlighted that the aim of the workshop was to build the capacity of the participants for risk management rather than crisis management in case of any disaster.

Dr Ravindra Khaiwal, Associate Professor of Environment Health, School of Public Health, PGI, mentioned that “community is the first responder of any disaster. Hence, we need to build disaster resistant community”.

He said this could be only achieved by creating awareness through education about disaster, enhancing community engagement, including planning for vulnerability.  — TNS