VIZAG FALLOUT: LOCALS DEMAND SHIFTING OF NFC

Following Thursday’s gas tragedy in Visakhapatnam, residents staying near Nuclear Fuel Complex (NFC) are worried that a similar incident may befall them. Some youth in localities adjoining ECIL and in close proximity to NFC have started a social media campaign, ‘Voiceloud’, to raise concerns and demanding that NFC be relocated.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, social activist Akhilesh Reddy Singi Reddy, the brain behind Voiceloud, said, “The current site of NFC was chosen years ago and when it was secluded. However, 50 years down the line, the areas around the plant are densely populated."

NFC manufactures nuclear fuel bundles for pressurised heavy water reactors (PHWR), boiling water reactors (BWR) and fast breeder reactors; many reactor core components, various tubes, high purity special materials.

“We are extremely concerned and want the government’s immediate attention on this because we are talking of uranium di-oxide and zirconium oxide, both nuclear grade radioactive materials. Imagine the scale of destruction that can be caused by radioactive material,” he said.

Asked about the concerns, an NFC spokesperson allayed the fears while maintaining “There is nothing to be worried about. After the Vizag tragedy, a high-level meeting was held here to take stock of the precautionary measures. Our maintenance staff will always be vigilant. All the required precautions are in place.”