Atomic Energy Regulatory Board

Atomic Energy Regulatory Board Latest News

Recently, the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) has issued permission for “major equipment erection” at Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KKNPP) Units 5 and 6. 

About Atomic Energy Regulatory Board

• It is India’s premier regulatory authority for nuclear and radiation safety.
• Background: The AERB was constituted on November 15, 1983, by the President of India by exercising the powers conferred by the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 to carry out certain regulatory and safety functions under the Act.
  • The regulatory authority of AERB is derived from the rules and notifications promulgated under the Atomic Energy Act and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
• Objective: To ensure the use of ionizing radiation and nuclear energy in India does not cause undue risk to the health of people and the environment.
• Headquarters: Mumbai.
• Composition
  • It comprises six members of which two are whole time members including the chairman. 
  • The other whole-time member is the executive director of the AERB Secretariat who is an ex-officio member of the Board. 
  • The other four members are eminent experts from various disciplines relevant to the mandate of the board.
  • The Board shall be responsible to the Atomic Energy Commission.

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Functions of AERB

• Develop safety policies in nuclear, radiation and industrial safety areas for facilities under its purview.
• Develop Safety Codes, Guides and Standards for siting, design, construction, commissioning, operation and decommissioning of different types of nuclear and radiation facilities.
• Grant consents for siting, construction, commissioning, operation and decommissioning, after an appropriate safety review and assessment, for establishment of nuclear and radiation facilities.
• AERB license is a mandatory certification for entities involved in the use of ionizing radiation and nuclear energy in India. 
• It shall have authority to administer the provisions of the Factories Act, 1948, the industrial safety for the units of Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).

Source: TH