Mains Question:
Q1. A major environmental concern related to nuclear power is the creation of radioactive wastes. Discuss the hazards of nuclear waste. (150 words)
Approach
- Introduction- discuss nuclear energy and nuclear waste or radioactive waste
- concern for environment and human
- management of nuclear waste in India
- Government initiatives
- Conclude accordingly
Nuclear technology is hazardous. The world was reminded of this on March 3, when a fire broke out near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in Ukraine (Europe’s largest) during the course of a military battle.
Current Situation in India
- There are presently 22 reactors with a total capacity of 6780 MW in operation and one reactor, KAPP-3 (700 MW) has been connected to the grid on January 10, 2021. In addition, there are 8 reactors (including 500 MW PFBR being implemented by BHAVINI) totaling to 6000 MW under construction at various stages.
- Indian government informed Parliament that it plans to build 10 indigenous reactors in fleet mode.
- It had granted “in principle approval” for 28 additional reactors, including 24 to be imported from France, the U.S. and Russia.