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A meeting was held to discuss the proposal of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to set up Mobile Radiology Detection System (MRDS) as a part of the preparedness to handle radiological emergencies on Friday. The Union Home Ministry recently accorded in-principle sanction of this proposal with an investment of Rs 7.5 crore. NDMA is at present finalising the steps for its implementation.
M Shashidhar Reddy, Vice Chairman, NDMA said, “While there is very strict compliance with prescribed safety standards at all nuclear installations, the main concern today should be the use of large number of radiological material, in the fields of medicine, agriculture, industry, research and even in many appliances commonly used, besides their possible use by anti-national elements”.
Reddy called upon the States to actively participate and cooperate in this national effort that can empower the State police to deal with radiological emergencies besides detection.
Reddy recalled that out of 150 deaths due to radiological and nuclear accidents worldwide, only 33 of them are because of nuclear accidents, while the rest were because of radiological accidents. One of these deaths was reported in India last year in Mayapuri incident, where orphan source of cobalt found its way into the scrap market. “Radiological emergencies should, therefore, be taken serious note off”.
“This MRDS can create confidence in the minds of the people and also act as a deterrent to anyone who thinks of using radioactive material in acts of terrorism and disruption”, Reddy said. “Mobile Radiation Detection Systems (MRDS) in our cities should be a top priority,” he added.
A committee was appointed by the Government of India after the Mayapuri incident headed by Dr B Bhattacharjee, Member, NDMA. These recommendations were discussed and approved by CoS for their implementation by the agencies concerned.
M Shashidhar Reddy, Vice Chairman, NDMA said, “While there is very strict compliance with prescribed safety standards at all nuclear installations, the main concern today should be the use of large number of radiological material, in the fields of medicine, agriculture, industry, research and even in many appliances commonly used, besides their possible use by anti-national elements”.
Reddy called upon the States to actively participate and cooperate in this national effort that can empower the State police to deal with radiological emergencies besides detection.
Reddy recalled that out of 150 deaths due to radiological and nuclear accidents worldwide, only 33 of them are because of nuclear accidents, while the rest were because of radiological accidents. One of these deaths was reported in India last year in Mayapuri incident, where orphan source of cobalt found its way into the scrap market. “Radiological emergencies should, therefore, be taken serious note off”.
“This MRDS can create confidence in the minds of the people and also act as a deterrent to anyone who thinks of using radioactive material in acts of terrorism and disruption”, Reddy said. “Mobile Radiation Detection Systems (MRDS) in our cities should be a top priority,” he added.
A committee was appointed by the Government of India after the Mayapuri incident headed by Dr B Bhattacharjee, Member, NDMA. These recommendations were discussed and approved by CoS for their implementation by the agencies concerned.
