Early warning detectors planned for nuclear accident alerts

Sri Lanka's Atomic Energy Authority is bracing itself for any possible disaster after the Kudankulam nuclear power station becomes operational and setting up eight early warning detectors along the coastal areas, officials said.

Kudankulam in Tamil Nadu "is set to be commissioned in a couple of months.

This is the closest to us with just 200 kms away," R L Wijewardene, Atomic Energy Authority (AEA) Chairman, said.

He said three years ago the AEA had set in motion the radiological emergency preparedness programme.

Wijewardene said eight early warning detectors would be set up with the help of the UN nuclear watchdog IAEA along the coastal areas.

"These will be located in Colombo and Kalpitiya in the Western Province, Talaimannar and Delft islet in the North, Trincomalee in the East and inland in the central district of Kandy.

"These will be operated from AEA offices after they become operational in about two months.

We will be able to warn public early about the dangers to create preparedness," he said.

Kudankulam's close proximity to Sri Lanka had warranted the island drawing attention of the IAEA over any possible disasters in the event of an accident, officials said.

IAEA in March had stated that Sri Lanka had neither opposed nor registered its protest concerning any Indian nuclear power plants.

Wijewardene said there are 450 nuclear power stations in 31 countries.

There have been only two disasters during the last 30 years.

-PTI