Tsunami hits N-programme: fast breeder project delayed

Construction work in the Fast Breeder Reactor Project (PFBR), dubbed as the cornerstone of the second stage of India’s nuclear programme, has been set back by at least a month, after the tsunami submerged an 18-metre-deep raft meant to be the foundation for eight buildings that were to comprise the nuclear island.

‘‘Only the raft suffered damage…because it is 18 metres below the ground level,’’ said Prabhat Kumar, PFBR project director. The financial loss is yet to be ascertained. ‘‘We are analysing the loss. We have to investigate and arrive at the final figure on our side and also that of the constructor’s,’’ said Kumar.

More than ruing the financial loss, the authorities are busy thanking their stars as over 150 persons, who were working inside the site when the waves swallowed the excavated site, escaped unhurt.

‘‘The construction in-charge, who was on ground level, had a walkie-talkie. On seeing the water rushing in, he contacted three junior officers inside the site. Everybody inside rushed to safety and a major calamity was averted. One worker who was working at another site was killed and her body was recovered from the raft site three days later,’’ said Kumar.