We all know that nuclear power station produces electric energy while radioactive sources help to diagnose and treat diseases, and helps to monitor various industrial processes. In total, Nuclear Energy is a boon for India. But what about its adverse effects on our lives and the environment?
Nuclear power is considered as a ‘clean source of energy’ because it does not release carbon-di-oxide during its operation but this greenhouse gas is emitted during building and running of nuclear plants and also transportation of radioactive waste causes emission, all of which pollutes our environment.
Radioactive waste can remain active for thousands of years; there are several issues with the burying of radioactive waste. One of the most famous incidents known is the “Mayapuri Radiological accident”, in which 220 research irradiators owned by Delhi University were sold to a scrap metal dealer. The workers at the scrap yard were unaware of the hazardous nature of this radioactive waste, which ultimately led to their death. The radioactive load is still speculated to be buried somewhere below the university grounds.
The removal of Jaitiapur forest reserve for setting up of nuclear power plant and various other incidents highlights the inefficiency of our government in the enforcement of environmental laws in our country. Contrary to the belief of people who think that nuclear source of energy has led to an all-round development of Indian technology, they have neglected the fact that nuclear waste from different sources are ruining our life and environment at a great speed. Radioactive waste management can only be tackled by strict implementation and enforcement of environmental laws. But in India it seems that no solution has been offered for the management of radioactive waste; it is better to make less use of it and just opt for renewable sources of energy such as solar, wind or geo-thermal energy.