Preliminary results of the preoperational radiation survey carried out in the environs of Domiasiat, Meghalaya, India, using TL dosimetric techniques

Preoperational survey of gamma radiation levels, using thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs), carried out in the environs of Domiasiat, Meghalaya, where natural uranium deposits have been found, are discussed in this paper. Two gamma radiation surveys, of about two months duration each, were carried out in the region using TLDs. The natural background gamma radiation levels, in the region under survey, at 1 m height from the ground were found to be 0.17 ± 0.07 μGy h-l in the areas where the mining of uranium is proposed while the surrounding areas showed 0.16 ± 0.07 μGy h-l. This data will be useful, after the operations of uranium mining starts, to assess the impact of the operations on the radiation levels in the surrounding areas. (author)