Rogue Pakistan’s attempts to brand India as an “Irresponsible” Nuclear Power is bound to backfire

In December 2021, a vessel MV Seago Piraeus, was repatriated from Port Mombasa, Kenya for emitting radiation from a container (TCKU3337296), booked by M/s Prama Exports. Upon reaching the Indian port JNPT on December 25, 2021, the cargo was duly inspected by Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) officials, who concluded presence of “Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material” (NORM)-Thorium-232 with marginally higher radiation levels.

The radiation background of the container at 1 mtr distance was found to be 0.02 to 0.04 µSv/h and at container 1 mtr – 3 mtr height from base (two locations at opposite outside walls of the container: 32 µSv/h and 8 µSv/h). BARC officials determined that the amount of material would be in larger content, resulting in a marginally higher radiation field.

According to BARC officials, NORM is non-hazardous and is not dangerous to a person coming in close proximity to it and allowed in small quantities under exemption certificate which is issued by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB).

The onboard crew members were medically examined by the Kenyan port health authorities on December 18, 2021, and were found to be safe with no symptoms of any radiation exposure.

An examination of the container revealed that the Gas Mantle consignment (procured from M/s ADC Engineering Company, Valsad, Gujarat) was the root cause of radiation. M/s ADC Engineering Company, manufacturer of the gas mantle was issued appropriate license by AERB for using Th-232, Thorium Nitrate as raw material on February 05, 2020 for the period of three years (expiry date of February 04, 2023), and therefore was eligible for handling the radioactive substance. Whereas, a technical violation was committed on the part of exporter M/s Prama Exports for engaging in export of the item without a clearance from AERB.

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