Parliament Question: Re-assessment of Safety of Atomic Plants

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-4570 ANSWERED ON 20/08/2025 RE-ASSESSMENT OF SAFETY OF ATOMIC PLANTS

4570. Km. SUDHA R

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Government has re-assessed the safety of country’s atomic power plants in the backdrop of an earthquake of 8.6 on Richter Scale that hit Russia and Japan and if so, the details thereof;

(b) the details of measures taken so far to safeguard country’s nuclear reactors against earthquakes and tsunami; and

(c) the number of nuclear plants which are built and functioning at Kudankulam atomic power park and the number of nuclear plants which are yet to be completed or under construction along with the status thereof? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS AND PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE (DR. JITENDRA SINGH)

(a) 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.

(b) 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 toenhance 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.

(c) 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.

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