We Indians are always known to be in a state of confusion about any situation that arises. One such thing in recent news is the Nuclear Power Plants (NPP). Dr.Homi Bhaba was a pioneer in this field and he started the Atomic Research Centre in India in 1950.He is called as the Father of Indian Atomic Research. Though, India has started its research in the field of Nuclear energy and atomic research since the 1950’s, we are still in a dilemma of adopting it or not and whenever there is a news break about the installation or initiation of nuclear power plant in India, there will be a state of civil unrest in that area. One such instance is the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Station, which is in the news for over two years.

1. THE TANGLED ‘NUCLEAR DILEMMA’ IN INDIA.
PRAVEEN ASOKAN
MBA-IB
PONDICHERRY UNIVERSITY
INTRODUCTION:
We Indians are always known to be in a state of confusion about any situation that
arises. One such thing in recent news is the Nuclear Power Plants (NPP). Dr.Homi Bhaba was
a pioneer in this field and he started the Atomic Research Centre in India in 1950.He is called
as the Father of Indian Atomic Research. Though, India has started its research in the field of
Nuclear energy and atomic research since the 1950’s, we are still in a dilemma of adopting it
or not and whenever there is a news break about the installation or initiation of nuclear power
plant in India, there will be a state of civil unrest in that area. One such instance is the
Kudankulam Nuclear Power Station, which is in the news for over two years.
Nuclear Power Plants (NPP) in India and the Future:
Nuclear power is the fourth-largest source of electricity in India after thermal,
hydroelectric and renewable sources of electricity. As of 2012, India has 20 nuclear
reactors in operation in six nuclear power plants, having an installed capacity of 5780
MW and producing a total of 29,664.75 GWh of electricity while seven other reactors are
under construction and are expected to generate an additional 6,100 MW.
Tie-ups with other countries:
Uranium is the basic element in Nuclear Power plant. India's
domestic uranium reserves are small and the country is dependent on uranium imports to fuel
its nuclear power industry. Russia has been a major supplier of nuclear fuel to India.
The Nuclear Suppliers Group which allowed is the governing body for commence in
international nuclear trade, has signed bilateral deals with India on civilian nuclear energy
technology cooperation with several other countries, including France, the United States, the
United Kingdom, Canada and South Korea.
India has also uranium supply agreements with Russia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan,
Argentina and Namibia.

2. India’s Thorium Reserve:
Thorium is the secondary element required next to Uranium in Nuclear Power Plants.
Thorium is particularly attractive for India. India holds more than 25% of the known Thorium
reserves in the world, though India’s reserve of Uranium is as negligible as 1~2%.
India is a major exporter of Thorium in the world and it accounts as much as double
the size of Thorium mined than its nearest competitor.
Future Plan and agitation:
In 2010, India drew up "an ambitious plan to reach a nuclear power capacity of
63,000 MW in 2032", but, after the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan, populations
around proposed Indian Nuclear Power Plants sites have launched protests, raising questions
about atomic energy as a clean and safe alternative to fossil fuels.
There have been mass protests against the French-backed 9900 MW Jaitapur Nuclear
Power Project in Maharashtra and the Russian-backed 2000 MW Kudankulam Nuclear
Power Plant in Tamil Nadu. The state government of West Bengal state has also refused
permission to a proposed 6000 MW facility near the town of Haripur that intended to host six
Russian reactors. A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has also been filed against the
government’s civil nuclear programme at the Supreme Court.
Progress on atomic plants being built in India by France and the United States could
be hampered by the delay in India's nuclear deal with Japan, where key components of these
plants are manufactured. India now wants these countries to push Japan to conclude the
agreement at the earliest.
The Indian Dilemma – Causes:
Nuclear power plant is a highly debated topic in India and we are still in the dilemma
of whether to adopt it or not. Some causes for the dilemma are:
 Safety
The Thermonuclear fusion process used in nuclear power plant is carbon free.
But if there is a disaster in the Nuclear Power Plant, it will lead to a massive disaster of huge
magnitude and it will affect the lives for generations to come in that area. Also, the radiation
caused by the disaster will cause the worst damage to the ecosystem. So Indians are worried
about it.

3.  Radiation
The elements used (Uranium, Thorium) in the Nuclear fusion process are
highly radioactive and the nearby places is prone to radiation and it will be affecting the
human life and also spoils the nearby ecosystems. This is the major reason of concern for the
Indians.
 Disposal
After the fusion cycles are over, the uranium has to be disposed. Still there is
no proper mechanism for the disposal of uranium which is 100% secure. Also Uranium has a
big life time and it will take years to decompose. So people are worried that this might affect
the lives.
 Political
The political situation in the country also plays a spoilsport in the initiation
of nuclear power plant projects. For example, in Kudankulam Nuclear power plant, though
the people are concerned, the political tension between the state and the central government is
the main cause in delay of a proper decision.
 Economic
This is also an important factor. Initiating a power plant is not a simple task, it
requires a huge money backing and also safety measures. This is the reason the Indian
government has been delaying few projects, but over the last decade, this problem has almost
vanished due to the growth of Indian Economy and now Indian government makes huge
investment on Nuclear Energy and research.
CONCLUSION:
“Nuclear power is an important part
of our domestic fuel mix”
Power shortage is a major problem in the country and the Indian government is
putting a lot of necessary steps in order to overcome it. It has invested a lot on Renewable
energy sources like Hydro-Electric, Wind, Solar energy. But the geographic situation of the
country doesn’t favour us to rely solely on them, also its very difficult to serve the growing
population. So, Nuclear energy should be made as a part of the solution in order to serve the
energy needs of the country and also safety should never be compromised at any cost.