Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (NR)  

Mangalore, Feb 7: A scientific programme was organized by the city branches of the Institution of Valuers, Institution of Engineers Kodagu, DK and Udupi Engineers Association at Hotel Woodlands here on Wednesday February 6.  

Delivering a lecture on the basics of atomic energy, retired scientist from the Baba Atomic Research Centre (BARC) B Venkatramani expolated that scientists have confirmed the existence of Saraswati river in Rajasthan with the help of atomic energy specifically with the help of Trasium. Moreover, the same atomic energy comes in handy in case of detection of a leak in pipeline.  

From this it is clear that atomic energy has its use not only in making bombs and generating power, but also in industry, agriculture, health and day-to-day, he informed. He further said India's nuclear programmes were on a course of development. Currently there are nine nuclear reactors in the country and another reactor in Kodumkolum is under construction. Projects have been planned with a capacity to produce 20,000 mw power from atomic power. An isotope like Cobalt 60 are being used for cancer radio therapy and purification of blood, he added. 

Relating to its use in plant kingdom, he said that atomic energy was also helpful in changing the gene character of seeds, thus making it more productive.  Moreover it is also useful in increasing the shelf-life of fruits and vegetables, he pointed out.  

On the topic of the controversial nuclear agreement with America which will be useful for India in procuring precious Uranium, he opined that if India had to attain self-sufficiency in power by producing 20,000 mw power then its crucial for India to obtain Uranium. However, he did express the government's reservations on the issue saying 'America would have given us Uranium, but India feared that the US might impose unnecessary restrictions on our nuclear programmes.'