Fukushima Disaster: Nuclear power is a risk without independent and strong regulationsuch as exists in France, nuclear power is a hazard.

12 MAR, 2012, 01.30AM IST, ET BUREAU

Fukushima Disaster: Nuclear power is a risk without independent regulation

March 11 was the first anniversary of the devastating 9-point earthquake that set off a tsunami, which destroyed three nuclear reactors in Japan's Fukushima region.

The triple disaster killed more than 19,000 people, left more than 3,25,000 homeless and exposed the weaknesses of government, regulators and bureaucrats.

Though more than $175 billion has been budgeted for recovery, the government's response has been tardy: the reconstruction agency managed to open its doors only last month. Of Japan's 54 nuclear reactors, 52 have been shut down for long-overdue checks; many will never run again.

But the state's failures helped break the group-think of the average Japanese: much of the rescue and rehabilitation was achieved by individuals helping each other. Companies and communities have stepped in to help. Despite Japan's nuclear shutdown, there have been no power shortages as thermal plants work overtime to keep the grid humming.

Manufacturers like Toyota have set up their own power plants, which promise to supply to the grid in shortages. Private initiative helped companies restore supply lines and shift to new vendors, without major glitches in production. Indians used to muddling through despite the state will find it easy to appreciate Japanese grit and resilience.

After Fukushima, you cannot underplay the risks of nuclear energy. It is now clear that utilities, manufacturers and vendors of nuclear technology were in bed with Japan's bureaucrats and political parties. The establishment ignored the risks of building reactors in a highly seismic zone. Reactors were bunched up in so-called nuclear villages.

Safety checks were ignored, overage plants were allowed to run. Worldwide, nuclear power is controlled by the state. If the state adopts wink-andnudge policies, the people are at peril. Without independent and strong regulation such as exists in France, nuclear power is a hazard.

India's nuclear establishment is totally opaque and there is no independent regulator, only a Bill to create one. Without transparent operations and strong regulation, nuclear energy would be a big risk.