PM to discuss N-disaster preparedness tomorrow

In the backdrop of recent nuclear crisis in Japan, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will discuss India's disaster preparedness tomorrow at a special meeting that is expected to unveil measures like installation of hi-tech radiation-measuring gadgets in 35 cities.

The meeting will also discuss fast tracking of other steps like creation of disaster response forces in places in addition to existing four and procurement of special radiation-detection vehicles.

At the meeting, the Prime Minister will review the nuclear safety issues being looked after by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) and Department of Atomic Energy, sources said.

He will also take stock of guidelines of management of nuclear and radiological emergencies issued by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

Among the various steps to be considered as part of the chemical, biological, radiological nuclear response and rescue preparedness is a project for installation of 'dosimeters' in 1,000 police stations in 35 cities having more than 1 million population.

Dosimeters are hi-tech gadgets which monitor and measure radiation levels.

The meeting will also review functioning of National Defence Response Force (NDRF) whose four battalions are stationed at Noida (outside Delhi), Kolkata, Arakkonam (Tamil Nadu) and Pune.

The proposal for creation of six more battalions of the force will also be considered with expectations that these could be fast tracked.