Short Description
Former AEC chairman Anil Kakodkar reassures that a nuclear device lost in the Himalayas poses no radiation risk, amid recent environmental concerns in Uttarakhand.
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Main Article
The mystery surrounding a lost nuclear device in the Himalayas has resurfaced, igniting environmental concerns and speculation. Former Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) chairman Anil Kakodkar has emphatically stated there is “absolutely nil” chance of radiation affecting Uttarakhand or the Ganga River. This reassurance comes in light of concerns regarding the SNAP-19-C device, which was lost over 60 years ago during an operation intended to monitor Chinese nuclear tests. Kakodkar’s statements clarify that despite past fears, the integrity of the nuclear capsule remains intact, alleviating potential safety worries.
Kakodkar noted that the device was designed to be “very strong and corrosion-free,” significantly reducing the likelihood of environmental breaching. The original mission, undertaken during heightened Cold War tensions, involved India’s Intelligence Bureau and the US CIA, primarily due to a nuclear test conducted by China in 1964. This covert operation not only marks a critical moment in nuclear history but also serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between technological advancement and environmental safeguarding.
Concerns about the lost device recently resurfaced as Uttarakhand tourism officials urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss potential risks with U.S. counterparts. Several public figures have echoed these fears, questioning whether the device might indeed pose an environmental hazard. Despite these concerns, Kakodkar stands firm, asserting the reliability of the technology used during its deployment and emphasizing that there is no cause for alarm.
The narrative around the Nanda Devi espionage case has been both intriguing and alarming, especially in light of the modern-day implications of nuclear policy. The mission’s secretive inception, discussed at a cocktail party in Washington, D.C., echoes the complex interplay between international relations and environmental impact. Reports indicate that increasing public interest may be fueled by past controversies, including a notable article in Outside magazine in 1978 that first detailed the operation.
Although former RAW official RK Yadav raised alarms in his 2019 publication “Nuclear Bomb In Ganga,” the scientific consensus, as expressed by experts like Kakodkar, suggests that the risk is minimal. As discussions continue, the events surrounding the Nanda Devi project remind both policymakers and citizens of the importance of transparent communication concerning environmental and safety issues.
Short Summary
In summary, Anil Kakodkar has dismissed worries about radiation from a lost nuclear device in the Himalayas, asserting that it poses no threat to Uttarakhand or the Ganga. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about environmental safety and the complexities of covert operations during the Cold War era.
