Secys panel to look into handling of radioactive material

A Month after the Delhi University's Chemistry Department was found responsible for the Cobalt 60 radiation leak at Mayapuri...

A Month after the Delhi University’s Chemistry Department was found responsible for the Cobalt 60 radiation leak at Mayapuri that killed one and injured several,a high-level Committee of Secretaries (CoS) has been set up to examine the issue of ‘handling of radioactive material’.

With officials from the Department of Atomic Energy,Department of Science & Technology and Human Resource Development Ministry on the committee,a thorough re-examination and assessment of current rules and regulations on handling of radioactive material and the access to such material would be conducted,sources said. The CoS is expected to meet soon to address the issue.

The move comes amidst concerns being raised internationally over India’s lax waste disposal and ineffective regulations on radioactive material. The Delhi University’s Department of Chemistry had allegedly dumped an irradiation machine containing radioactive material Cobalt 60 at a Mayapuri scrapyard. The careless disposal had caused quite a radiation scare in the area,killing one and injuring others.

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Meanwhile,the University Grants Commission (UGC) has been asked by the HRD Ministry to frame regulations for the procurement,handling,storage,transport and disposal of hazardous material at universities and colleges across the country. A letter has also been issued by the UGC to all educational institutes — government-run,aided and private — suggesting that purchase,usage,storage of all chemicals and other material,including radioactive substances,should be done as per established rules.

The commission has also instituted a committee of experts to streamline and compile all laboratory and scientific research-related regulations and frame new regulations for areas that are not covered under the present rules.

Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal had written to all the ministries concerned to help evolve a comprehensive and definitive set of guidelines on laboratory safety rules,sources said.

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