The Hindu : National : "Evolve alternatives to nuclear technology"

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Mar 27, 2006

National

National

"Evolve alternatives to nuclear technology"

Special Correspondent

To ensure a hazard-free environment: Kroto

Sir Harry Kroto

NEW DELHI : Nobel Laureate Sir Harry Kroto on Sunday called for evolution of alternatives to nuclear energy to ensure that the future generations can live in a hazard-free environment.

Addressing a press conference, organised by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India, on the eve of its fourth Knowledge Millennium Summit, Sir Harry said he was not against nuclear energy but favoured exploring other nature-friendly options. He said India could take the lead to develop technologies that were humanity-friendly and propagate their uses in a manner that gave sustenance for peaceful living. "Nanotechnology is one such technology which is not only user-friendly but equally amenable to the needs of nature."

"Humanity has manufactured enough nuclear weapons and nuclear technologies. Now intensive research work should be undertaken to develop and evolve energies that will play no havoc with nature," he said.

K. L. Chugh, Chairman, ASSOCHAM Knowledge Millennium Council, said the focus of education should return to physics, chemistry and biology to enable the present generation to offer nature-friendly research to the coming generations.

"Nuclear weapons are dreaded ones and no amount of persuasion for their proliferation should be accepted as these will degenerate the present world. Only nature-friendly research should be encouraged," he said.

ASSOCHAM president Anil K. Agarwal said Indian science had always talked of nanotechnology as one in tune with nature. He called for efforts to promote its use by Indian industry so that "it makes goods that are accepted by consumers."

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