New Delhi:
A day after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh sought more transparency, accountability and transparency from the Indian nuclear establishment, top Indian scientist Dr. P Balram has called for a moratorium on nuclear development.
Dr. Balram, who is also the Director of the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore, has been backed by 60 other signatories.
"We strongly believe that India must radically review its nuclear power policy for appropriateness, safety, costs, and public acceptance, and undertake an independent, transparent safety audit of all its nuclear facilities, which involves non-DAE experts and civil society organisations. Pending the review, there should be a moratorium on all further nuclear activity, and revocation of recent clearances for nuclear projects", said Dr. Balram.
Some prominent signatories include noted economist and member of the National Advisory Council (NAC) Jean Dreze and famous historian Romila Thapar.