Whether it was insider job or otherwise, nuclear mischief at Kaiga is serious

By O.J.George

Atomic Energy Commission chairman Anil Kakodkar has said it is an insider job and there is nothing wrong with the working of the Kaiga nuclear plant in North Karnataka, about 450 kms from Bangalore.

It was quick reaction on the part of the authorities to mitigate the situation. And to mollify the victims and the people at large, this was indeed plain relief,
As many as 55 workers who drank water were taken ill and hospitalised. Tritium levels in them were high and now they are normal.

The radioactive tritium contaminated in their body has gone out with urine and perspiration. Nature’s provision indeed!

Is it possible to simply wave it off as an act of mischief on the part of some workers to contaminate the water cooler with tritium? Where did they lay their hands on the radio active isotope of hydrogen? Is it that easy to fetch the dangerous substance as one secures stationery from the office?
It is better to identify the mischief monger and his/her accomplice/accomplices and root out the source of trouble.

In the nuclear age, unless the materials are safely kept, these tiny matters put in a reservoir or river or stream can make the lives of millions miserable.
We see workers wearing security gowns, caps and the like in such work places, but the fact that dangerous elements lurk among them is not conducive to maintaining the general health of the people.

No doubt the terrorist angle should also be probed and the authorities seem to have taken serious note of it following the decision to press into service intelligence agencies, local and national.

Terrorists issue warning like this when there is strong action against them. Now there has been an attempt to nab LeT operatives of Indian origin from Bangladesh. The country should be cautious about retaliation on such steps or otherwise like anniversary of attack in Mumbai.