Nuclear power and environment

In the wake of oil crisis, nuclear energy is being looked upon as a major alternative source of energy and consequently there is a sharp increase all over the world in the projected capacity of nuclear power generation and in investment for achieving it. On this background, a case is presented for total abandonment of nuclear power generation. Arguments for the case against nuclear energy are based on the various reactor accidents which have occurred and vehicular accidents involving transport of nuclear materials which have taken place, thermal pollution of environment resulting from nuclear power plants, problem of storage and disposal of radioactive wastes which are accumulating, biological effects of release of low level radioactive wastes into water or air at the site of nuclear facilities, buildup of radioactive isotopes in environment, siting of nuclear power plants near human habitations, consequences of a ma or reactor accident - if it happens, probability of reactor accidents and genetic radiation hazards. It is pointed out that even though economically unit cost of nuclear power seems to be marginally favourable, it proves to be the costliest, if the social cost in terms of damage to environment and the biological cost in terms of genetic damage are taken into account. (M.G.B.)