SLS Mirror November 2017 | Page 6

Tour to Kakrapar Atomic Power Station The importance of nuclear energy is much more when the world has no other easy options to meet the increasing energy demand. Nuclear energy is one of the safest source and has advantage over other renewable but intermittent sources. As far as India is concerned, currently nuclear energy contributes around 3% of its total electricity demand and its expansion plan aims to meet 25% of its electricity requirement by 2050. At the same time, India maintains an impeccable safety and security record in its nuclear energy projects while contributing signicantly to the overall development of local population. To gain hands-on experience on the novelty of India's nuclear energy programme, the students and faculty of School of Liberal Studies (SLS) of Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University (PDPU) organized a day-long study tour on 3rd November 2017 to the Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS), Gujarat. The 27 member team (20 students and 7 faculty) was led by Dr Sitakanta Mishra, Dr Neeta Sinha, Ms Niyati Shah of SLS along with other faculty members. The students had a unique experience on the plant safety culture, corporate social responsibility, and stringent radiation monitoring system practiced in Indian nuclear plants. The Environment Survey Lab (ESL) of BARC located at KAPS, endowed with advanced equipments, ensures safety of environment and people through constant monitoring. While contributing to the national energy production, the KAPS has undoubtedly helped the local population immensely to reap many economic benets. The two new plants (Unit-3&4) under construction will increase KAPS total energy production soon. The lush greenery around and the safety-security culture practiced in KAPS prove that nuclear power plants are safest places. 4