Do you know when the first nuclear bomb was exploded? If your answer is Hiroshima, you have guessed the wrong choice. The first nuclear bomb exploded in the imagination of H.G.Wells. It’s in his book, ‘The world set free’ the word ‘atomic bomb’ was used for the first time. The novel begins with the words, ‘the history of mankind is the history of attainment of external power’. His wings of imagination, of splitting of atoms to produce atomic energy and resulting explosions, hid inside them some sort of predictive characteristics. Leo Szilard, who read the German translation of this novel, was the architect of atomic bomb. Later, Hiroshima and Nagasakhi made his fictions come true!

What’s this atomic power?

It’s proved that energy is released if atoms split or combine. The released power as a result of atomic fission or fusion is known as atomic energy. Nuclear fission was done for the first time in 1934 by Enrico Fermi. He, along with his group conducted this experiment on neutrons. Neutrons were bombarded on nucleus of Uranium atoms to produce energy. Protons and neutrons are concentrated in the nucleus of an atom, due to its binding power. When their number increases nucleus becomes more restless. That’s why elements placed at the rear end of the periodic table are used for conducting such experiments, as they contain more protons and neutrons.

So, if high energetic neutrons are bombarded to the nucleus, it splits releasing enormous energy, which follows a chain reaction. In a nuclear reactor, such reactions are controlled while in a nuclear bomb, uncontrolled chain reaction lead to an explosion. Fuel used for splitting is uranium. The released energy produces a lot of heat which is used for producing water vapours which in turn rotates turbines producing electrical energy.

Great care needed!

When nuclear reactors are constructed, some points need great attention. Probability of earth quakes and such natural calamities in such places should be minimal. Energy should never flow from its core to coolant. Atomic wastes should be dumped in sea depths causing less harm to living organisms.

Through history books

First nuclear reactor to produce electricity was constructed in America in 1957, December 20. First nuclear power station was in USSR, inaugurated on 1954 June 27. In 1956, in Cedar Hall of England, first nuclear power plant started working which produced energy on economic basis. Now, in 31 nations, 430 power reactors are working. Chicago Pile-1 was the nuclear reactor used for the preparation of first atom bomb, done by America. It was done as a part of atom bomb projector ‘Manhattan’. When Hammer used atomic energy for destructive purposes, it was told, ‘Atomic scientists committed sin’.

Hidden dangers

It’s true, even if atomic energy is used for peaceful purposes it’s not free of hazards. Main problem lies in the fact that no fission or fusion process can be conducted without the release of atomic energy. So, great safety precautions are to be taken while conducting such activities. Also, laws are not strong enough to enforce its security measures. Processing of its waste is also a big problem. Maximum life span of a nuclear reactor is 30-40 years. But its radiations can remain as an evil for minimum 50,000 years. Also, if coolants don’t function properly or temperature is increased causing melting of the fuel, radiations may spread out. So, the reactors should be designed considering these facts too. These harmful radiations can change genetic characteristics of human cells and can even result in cancer and many health related problems.

Unforgettable nuclear disasters

Though after nuclear explosions in Japan cities, nuclear energy has been used for good purposes only, many bad incidents have occurred too. The first nuclear leakage occurred in Pennsylvania of America in the year 1979. On March 28, radiations leaked from their ‘Three Mile Island’ nuclear reactor. When Chernobyl nuclear reactor of USSR exploded in 1986 April 26, it broke the myth that nuclear rectors will never explode. But according to records, only 31 people lost their lives. It’s the nuclear leakage of Japan last year, soon after Tsunami that was an eye opener to all. Now everyone asks the same question, “Do we need nuclear power stations? “ Even if we take 100% security measures, it’s not possible for humans to control nature’s forces and calamities on earth. Nuclear leakage of Japan is perhaps the worst of all such dangers caused by nuclear reactors. India is also not free from such events. In 2011 April, reactor at Kaiga got fire alarms in their control room. Heavy water leakage from Kalpakkam in 1999, leakage in Naps 2 and Naps 1 in 2000 and 2002 respectively, leakage in Narora (NAPS) reactor in 2003 and leakage from Rajasthan nuclear power station are some of them. Also, exposure to such radiations can cause genetic mutations which results in handicapped children of next and many more generations. It’s said that kids born in Hiroshima and Nagasaki even now, do have some defects which may be passed to next generations as well.

A small note on Koodankulam nuclear project

It’s the hot discussion topic now, everywhere. Koodankulam belongs to Thirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu and nowadays a lot of protest going on against this nuclear project. There are many reasons why this project has invited a lot of oppositions from people belonging to almost all categories. Some of them are:

1. Site evaluation study and Safety analysis report are not presented before people or media. This report includes data conducted on already completed two projects, its effects on nature, security measures and inspection of the site.
2. 2-5 km region around a nuclear power station is known as sterilization zone. Since this zone is more exposed to nuclear radiations, it’s not fit for residential purposes. But already it’s a highly populated residential area and its inhabitants are in the treat of losing their homes.
3. According to research conducted in the residential zone around Kalpakkam, people are showing symptoms of diseases like thyroid cancer.
4. No precautions or safety measures are announced, in case any problem occurs.
5. Now, the nuclear waste is dumped in deep ocean that is adversely affecting sea life. It may affect 10 lakh Tamilians who totally depend on sea to earn a living, particularly fishermen. Nuclear waste is contaminating sea water too.
6. Only vague ideas about dumping of nuclear waste.
7. Even when big countries are closing their nuclear reactors, everyone is suspicious about safety measures of such nuclear reactors.

Till now two persons have been killed as a part of these protests. Many social workers and nature lovers are giving full support to those people who are fighting against it. Technical help to Koodankulam project is provided by Russia.

Many countries are closing their reactors. But India………

Japan, Germany and Belgium have already started closing their nuclear reactors. Among all countries, France mostly depends on nuclear power to produce electricity. 70% of their electric power is produced from nuclear reactors. Yet, to avoid future risks they have decided to abandon nuclear projects for ever.

Now 20 reactors are present in India. They are working according to the laws of AERB (Atomic Energy Regulatory Board). While the whole world has started to close their already existing ones, India is planning to start 20 more. Most famous nuclear power stations of India are Tarapur in Maharastra, Madras atomic power station in Chennai, Rajasthan atomic power station in Rajasthan, Kaiga in Karnataka, Narora in UP and Kakrapar in Gujarat.

Nuclear parks yet to come

Jaithampur Nuclear power plant of Maharastra, Koodankulam of Tamil Nadu, Mithi Virdi of Gujarat, Kowada of Andra Pradesh, Haripur of West Bengal and Kudambaria of Haryana are some of those projects.

As India doesn’t have any uranium deposits, it depends on foreign countries for nuclear fuels and its main help is given by Russia. India has uranium supply agreement with a few countries like Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Argentina and Namibia. India did a civil agreement for the first time in 2008, September 30. That agreement was done with France.

Why can’t we do our part?

We are depending on nuclear power due to our energy crisis. Energy consumption reduced is equal to energy produced. If we are able to reduce it as much as possible, a lot of energy can be saved. Also, depending on wind and solar energy and using firewood hearths are a few methods to reduce energy consumption. Big windows and doors can reduce electrical consumption a lot. Also, use energy conserving for next generation too. Otherwise energy crisis problems can’t be solved. Even small efforts of each family can make a big difference as total.

It’s true, world population is exploding day by day and to meet with energy needs, present conditions are not sufficient enough. That’s the reason why even after knowing the negative effects of nuclear power, we depend on them. It has become a necessary evil and its services can’t be ceased. Also, it can’t be denied that if we use it wisely, nuclear energy can meet with every energy crisis. Yet the main problem lies in its hazards to man kind, not only death but also genetic mutations and handicapped new generations. So, let us think for a while, “Should we start new reactors without taking proper safety measures and precautions?”