India’s premier nuclear research establishment Bhabha Atomic Research Centre is situated on the coast in the Mumbai channel, just a few nautical miles from the oil slick that has spread in the sea waters after two cargo vessels collied on Saturday.
The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre houses two important research reactors — a fast breeder research reactor, Dhruva, and one of the oldest research reactors, Cirus. It uses the sea water for cooling purpose.
“We have asked the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre not to use sea water for any of their facilities as it is polluted with oil spill from the vessels after a collision on Saturday,” a senior Coast Guard official said.
On the beach now
“Sea water should not be used for cooling as oil spill has reached the beaches of Alibag, Marva, Sewree and Elephanta Caves besides Mumbai mangroves,” the official said.
Meanwhile, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre sources said the two research reactors are currently operating and scientists are constantly monitoring the water physically and scientifically before using it for cooling.
Deccan Herald is on WhatsApp Channels| Join now for Breaking News & Editor's Picks