NEW DELHI; Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi Monday dedicated the Third World’s first atomic fast breeder reactor, an experimental device that creates more weapons grade plutonium than it uses for fuel.
Gandhi, insisting India’s intentions were peaceful, renamed the Reactor Research Center after his slain mother, Indira, the Press Trust of India reported. The ceremony was held in the town of Kalpakkam, 1,090 miles southeast of New Delhi.
This is used for the benefit of mankind and not misused for the’ destruction of mankind,” Gandhi said in a speech dedicating the fast breeder test reactor.
The Kalpakkam facility, with each of two $245 million units capable of producing 235 megawatts of power, is India’s third atomic Power plant. India’s new facility is also the first breeder reactor producing higher grade plutonium than it consular weapons.
Gandhi reiterated his nation’s commitment to advanced technology and the achievement of 10% of its total energy generation through atomic power.
Whatever we do, we must look ahead to the third millennium.” Gandhi said. “Just as the late Pandit Nehru called power stations temples of modern India, I too call this atomic power plant a temple of modern India.”
According to news reports this week, in 1990 the reactor was declared a total write off. The only power it produced was enough to light one bulb for a short while.
EDITOR.
Article extracted from this publication >> December 21, 1990
