Probe Ordered into Kaiga Radiation Leak
The state-run Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) has ordered a probe into the recent radiation leakage at Kaiga Atomic Power Plant in Karnataka, which left some 50 employees sick after they drank contaminated water some five days ago, say reports.
“Preliminary enquiry does not reveal any violation of operating procedures or radioactivity releases or security breach. It is possibly an act of mischief,” NPCIL Chairman and Managing Director SK Jain was quoted as saying in a statement.
He added that radioactive contamination of the water cooler located outside the reactor building is “a matter of concern and the cause is being investigated”.
Since the incident was detected five days ago, the water cooler – which was identified as the source of radiation leakage – has been isolated and put out of service, he said.
Jain pointed out that Unit 1 of Kaiga has been shut down for annual maintenance since October 20. Meanwhile Units 2 and 3 continue to be operational even as Unit 4 is under construction.
“All the systems of all the units are healthy and there is no release of radioactivity to the environment within the plant site and outside,” he said.
Minister of Science & Technology Prithviraj Chavan confirmed the “sabotage” at the nuclear plant and said a high-level probe has been ordered.
“It could be the handiwork of a disgruntled employee and we are awaiting the results of the inquiry,” Chavan was quoted as saying to journalists in New Delhi.
(Based on Media Reports/ Pic: Internet)
