USS Nimitz to call at Chennai Port, Firm environmental safety measures in place

USS Nimitz will be anchoring off Chennai during its scheduled port call from 01 to 05 JuIy 2007. This is not the first visit by a nuclear powered ship to an Indian port. In fact, The Indian navy has operated INS Chakra, a nuclear powered submarine, from 1988 to 1991. Additionally, nuclear powered ships and submarines from France, United Kingdom and United States have visited Indian ports. Notable amongst them was the French Aircraft Carrier ‘Charles De Gaulle’ that had called at Goa in April 2004 and again in April 2006.

In fact, the process of clearing a harbour for berthing of nuclear vessels evolved when INS Chakra was inducted into the Indian Navy on 05 Jan 1988 This included survey by an Environmental Survey Committee (ESC) constituted by the Scientific Advisor to Defence Minister. A Radiation Safety Contingency Plan was also drawn up and implemented prior to berthing of INS Chakra.

In 2001, the Indian Navy conducted the ‘International Fleet Review’ during which the French Nuclear Submarine Perle berthed in Mumbai harbour from 15 to 20 February. For this purpose the Environmental Safety Committee, as per ‘Standard Operating Procedure’ carried out a complete survey and examination of Mumbai harbour.

The procedure that is followed for any nuclear powered ship or submarine berthing in any Indian port is well established since 1988 and involves the following:

(a) The Environmental Safety Committee is intimated by the Ministry of Defence of an impending visit by a nuclear powered ship or submarine. Thereafter the ESC proceeds to the port well in advance before the arrival of the nuclear powered vessel and carries out a survey.

(b) Movement of the nuclear powered ship takes place only during daylight hours, in good visibility and with escort tugs in attendance.

(c) No other ship is berthed within 200 metres radius of the nuclear powered ship.

(d) Ships berthed within 600 metres of the berth are kept at short notice, not exceeding tour hours, to get underway.

(e) Radiation monitoring laboratories manned by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) / Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) scientists and Defence personnel, set up onboard a suitable ship, undertake frequent monitoring of water and air samples.

(f) Two safety zones are established around the nuclear powered ship:

(i) Zone I (up to a radius of 0.2 km). Only authorised personnel enter this zone and quick evacuation should be possible in an emergency.

(ii) Zone II up to a radius of 0.6 km). Local population is permitted within this zone.

(iii) Only authorised personnel and items leave the nuclear powered ship.

Accordingly, a standing ESC has carried out a detailed survey at Chennai and cleared the visit of USS Nimitz from Radiation Hazard point of view. A stringent radiation monitoring protocol is in place which shall, at periodic intervals, monitor and analyse air and water samples. These activities shall be conducted under the ambit of a well rehearsed Radiation Safety Contingency Plan under the stewardship of a Crisis Management Group and Crisis Management Cell comprising scientists from DRDO, BARC, Defence Laboratory, Jodhpur, Representatives of the Chennai Port Trust and Indian Navy.

It is pertinent to mention that a number of nuclear powered vessels belonging to different navies have so far visited Indian parts from 2001 to 2006.

Source : Press Information Bureau

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