ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA) has assured that PAEC operated nuclear power plants meet the requirements of national nuclear regulations and do not pose any unwarranted radiation hazard to public or the environment. . Like other nuclear regulatory authorities in the world, PNRA – in the wake of Japan event – has advised PAEC to revisit the safety aspects of the nuclear power plants at Karachi and Chashma with reference to site studies, safety systems, operator’s training, emergency power systems, off-site emergency preparedness plans, etc. PNRA will continue to study the accident at Fukushima and the response of Japanese and other regulatory authorities and may ask PAEC to take additional measures.
Nevertheless, PNRA spokesman said PAEC operated nuclear power plants meet the requirements of national nuclear regulations – which are at par with the international requirements – and do not pose any unwarranted radiation hazard to public or the environment.Due to the geographical differences between Pakistan and Japan the likelihood that similar extreme natural events that may occur in the vicinity of our nuclear power plants is quite small. However, PAEC has still been advised to prepare itself for other natural extreme events or manmade accidents. PNRA will continue to verify that this preparedness is always maintained, he said.
He said PNRA would like to assure the public that based on the information being received in Pakistan, the accident at Fukushima does not pose any direct risk to our public or the environment. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the radioactivity released will be mixed with the jet streams at very high altitudes which move in Easterly direction. PNRA is continuously performing environmental monitoring throughout the country to assess any change in natural radioactivity level. So far, no change in the environment radioactivity level has been observed. If the PNRA air sampling monitors detect any change in the radioactivity level, then PNRA will issue appropriate advisories for public through print and electronic media. – Onlinenews
