PM for use of N-energy to reduce impact on environment
Visakhapatnam (PTI): Highlighting the challenges posed by climate change, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday batted for use of nuclear power as an efficient alternate energy source to reduce adverse impact on environment and cited this as a reason behind the Indo-US atomic agreement.
Addressing the Indian Science Congress here, Singh spoke about the need for drawing upon modern science and technology and tapping the country's traditional knowledge base to develop environment-friendly and efficent technologies.
The "most important area" for the application of knowledge for sustainable development is energy conservation and development of alternative renewable energy sources, he said, identifying these as nuclear, solar and clean-coal technology.
"In the longer run, atomic energy can also make an important contribution to energy security of the country," the Prime Minister said.
Without directly naming the Indo-US nuclear deal, he said "it is this perspective which has led us to seek the removal of restrictive regimes which prevent India from participation in international trade in civilian nuclear materials, equipment and technologies."
The comment assumes significance as the government is facing stiff opposition from its Left allies in implementing the nuclear deal.
The follow-up steps on the Indo-US deal -- firming up a safeguards agreement with IAEA and seeking exemptions from 45-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group -- have been delayed because of the differences between the government and Left parties.
