The Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) under Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) in Mumbai on 21 July 2014. This was his first visit to the DAE after becoming the Prime Minister of India in May 2014.
He was received by Dr. R.K Sinha, Secretary, DAE and Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission (AEC).
During his visit, he was briefed on India's atomic energy programme; DAE's extensive research and development and education programmes; and DAE's contributions in other areas such as healthcare, especially cancer treatment, food security, solid waste management and water purification.
Key Highlights of the Visit
- On his visit, the PM explained about the energy security need, which is based on clean and reliable sources and is critical driver of India's rapid and sustained long term development.
- In implementing, DAE's ambitious expansion programme, the PM assured complete support from the Union Government and asked DAE to meet the target of increasing the capacity by three times from the present level of 5780 MWe by 2023-24 within the projected cost.
- Prime Minister told DAE that nuclear safety and security were of the highest priority and asked DAE to ensure that India's standards and practices were the most advanced in the world.
- The PM asked DAE to pay special attention to the local communities in planning and implementing nuclear power projects.
- Prime Minister lauded the contribution of DAE scientists in the critical area of cancer research and treatment through the Tata Memorial Hospital.
- He expressed hope that DAE would soon implement the planned projects in Chandigarh and Vishakapatnam and would take one of the most advanced standards of cancer treatment in Asia to other parts of India.
- PM also directed DAE to make special efforts to expand its research and extension on national scale applications of atomic science in areas like healthcare, waste management, water treatment, agriculture and food preservation.
Year-Long Celebrations for Diamond Jubilee of DAE
In context of the Diamond Jubilee of DAE which will be celebrated on 3 August 2014, the Prime Minister asked DAE to chalk out programme of year-long celebrations, with special focus on the various human and developmental dimensions of atomic science, with special outreach to the youth in schools and colleges throughout the country.