(a) whether the Government proposes to formulate a nuclear and radiation safety policy with stringent guidelines for disposal of radioactive waste, transportation of radioactive material, emergency preparedness for radiation facilities, etc.;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the time by which the Government is likely to formulate a Nuclear Safety Regulatory Authority to replace the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB); and
(d) the steps taken by the Government to strengthen the proposed Nuclear Safety Regulatory Authority and to ensure that it is able to implement a strict nuclear safety regime in the country unlike the AERB which has limited powers? |
| ANSWER |
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS AND PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE (Dr. JITENDRA SINGH) :
(a)&(b) Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) has well established policies governing regulation of nuclear and radiation safety. These policies are in line with those issued by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and other international regulatory bodies. Apart from the applicable Acts & Rules, AERB has recently issued a document consolidating these established policies into single document named `Policies Governing Regulation of Nuclear and Radiation Safety`. Clear and stringent guidelines relating to disposal of radioactive waste, transportation of radioactive material, emergency preparedness for radiation facilities, etc. are already in place in line with these policies.
(c)&(d) Government is engaged in inter-Ministerial consultations to introduce a Nuclear Safety Regulatory Authority (NSRA) Bill to set up a Nuclear Safety Regulatory Authority to replace the existing Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB). The proposed Nuclear Safety Regulatory Authority will provide statutory basis to nuclear safety regulation in India, thus ensuring its de-jure independence and will further strengthen nuclear and radiation safety regulations in the country. |
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