WHO report is sighted in Indian News Papers show that out of 57 million global deaths in 2008, 36 million deaths are due to non communicable diseases (NCDs) like cancer, stroke, diabetes and cardio-vascular diseases, and it is increasing! Assumed to be old-age diseases, the NCDs are now taking toll at younger ages (below 60 y) also. Cancer kills 7.6 million people a year; tobacco use kills about 6 million and alcohol 2.5 million a year.
Bhopal gas-leak tragedy, in the year 1984, killed over 3000 people, within days. In Chernobyl nuclear reactor accident, only 47 people died of acute radiation dose and fire burns. Some more may die of cancer over the years. Similarly, over 9000 people died of Tsunami in Japan and the on-going nuclear situation in Fukushima may also cause some fatalities over the years. These deaths are not due to acute radiation doses.
Over 1.5 lakh deaths a year are reported due to accidents on Indian roads. Today, while driving from Belapur, Navi Mumbai to Chembur (18 km), I met near-death situation on the road at least 5 times. This is not due to my fault but due to other’s faults such as: cutting lanes, drunken driving and three wheeler nuisance. Road discipline simply does not exist in Mumbai roads.
Under such scenarios, some vested interests and politicians are creating nuisance everywhere criticizing against developmental projects, particularly nuclear power plants at Jaitapur. Reason is safety! If they are so much concerned about safety, what they are doing about safety on the roads, high pollution levels, floods, crime, etc?
If one sees the risks in proper perspective, it is unimaginable to understand why the designers are spending so much money on safety in nuclear power plants? How many thousands are spend to save ONE life in nuclear power sector?
Let us spend our resources in proportionate to the risks. Say no for over-protection.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment