**Summary:**
The Department of Atomic Energy addressed a parliamentary question regarding the reassessment of safety protocols at Indian nuclear power plants (NPPs). Following the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident triggered by a magnitude 9.0 earthquake in Japan, the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) independently reassessed Indian NPPs' capabilities to withstand severe natural events, including earthquakes and floods. These assessments and safety measures are deemed applicable to the recent earthquake of 8.6 magnitude that occurred in Russia and Japan, which had no impact on Indian nuclear power plants. Periodic safety assessments are conducted regularly, adhering to regulatory guidelines. NPPs in coastal regions are designed to account for site-specific technical parameters related to earthquakes, tsunamis, storm surges, and floods. Continuous monitoring, multi-tier reviews, and necessary upgrades are implemented to enhance safety. Safety systems are designed and qualified to withstand and function effectively during extreme events. Standard operating procedures are in place for such events, and personnel receive periodic training on emergency response protocols. The Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KKNPP) site houses six reactors, each with a 1000 MW capacity, totaling 6000 MW. Currently, two reactors (KKNPP 1&2, 2x1000 MW) are operational, while the remaining four reactors (KKNPP 3-6, 4x1000 MW) are in various stages of construction and commissioning. This information was provided by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, MoS Personnel, Public Grievances Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.
Key Entities Referenced
Department of Atomic Energy: The Indian government department responsible for nuclear energy.
AERB: Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, the regulatory body for nuclear safety in India.
Indian NPPs: Indian Nuclear Power Plants
Japan: Country that experienced a major earthquake and nuclear accident (Fukushima Daiichi) prompting reassessments.
Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident: A nuclear accident in Japan in 2011 that triggered reassessments of nuclear safety worldwide.
Russia: Country that experienced an earthquake.
Kudankulam: Location of a nuclear power plant site in India with multiple reactors.
Dr. Jitendra Singh: Union Minister of State Independent Charge for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, MoS Personnel, Public Grievances Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space
Department of Atomic Energy
PARLIAMENT QUESTION: RE-ASSESSMENT OF
SAFETY OF ATOMIC PLANTS
Posted On: 20 AUG 2025 4:25PM by PIB Delhi
Re-assessment of safety is undertaken following any major incident relevant to nuclear safety anywhere in the
world to examine the need for any further strengthening of the safety features. Subsequent to the earthquake
of magnitude 9.0 on Richter Scale in Japan (great east Japan earthquake) followed by the Fukushima Daiichi
nuclear accident in the year 2011, such re-assessments were carried out independently by AERB for Indian
NPPs for establishing capabilities and margins for coping with severe natural events, such as earthquakes,
floods and their possible effects. The above safety assessments and the safety measures undertaken, are also
applicable to the recent earthquake of 8.6 on Richter Scale that hit Russia and Japan. There was no impact of
the mentioned earthquake on the Indian nuclear power plants. However, periodic safety assessments in line
with regulatory guidelines are carried out.
Nuclear power plants in coastal areas are designed taking into account the technical parameters related to
earthquakes, tsunamis, storm surges, floods etc. at each site. Regular monitoring, periodic multi-tier reviews
and upgrades (if required) are also undertaken to enhance their safety. The structures, systems and
components of safety systems are designed to withstand and function efficiently in extreme events and are
qualified for the same. Further, standard operating procedures are in place for such events and the personnel
are periodically trained on actions to be taken during such extreme scenarios.
The Kudankulam site comprises of six nuclear power reactors of 1000 MW capacity each, totaling to 6000
MW. Of this, two reactors (KKNPP-1&2, 2X1000 MW) are presently in operation while four reactors
(KKNPP-3 to 6, 4 x 1000 MW) are under various stages of construction/ commissioning.
This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science
and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, MoS Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Department of
Atomic Energy and Department of Space, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
***
NKR/PSM
(Release ID: 2158393)