Scientists from the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) and Bhaba Atomic Research Centre (BARC) conducted the “close searches” of the shops for another day today.
The atomic regulator decided to conduct a second round of survey of the market to ensure there was no source of radiation left unattended in the scrap market, which is one of the largest such facility in Asia.
“The second round of searches is on for the past few days. During the first round, we used tele-detectors to discover the sources of radiation. That was done from a distance. Now we are doing a closer examination.
“The experts go near the scrap and using sophisticated equipment, they search for radioactive sources,” a senior official said. The searches are conducted during night hours so as to ensure no inconvenience to public.
The origin of radioactive Coblat-60 was traced to Delhi University’s Chemistry department which auctioned a Gamma Irradiator to a scrap dealer. The dealer dismantled it and gave it to others, leading to the radiation exposure.
Following this revelation, DU came under the scanner of the AERB which has already put the radiation exposure at Level-IV, indicating that it is of a serious nature.
The atomic regulator has also apprised International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) about the incident and the international body has sought more details.
The AERB has stationed a senior official in the capital to assist police and other agencies in the investigations. “If the police needs any expertise, we are ready to provide and the official is there,” a senior official with Department of Atomic Energy said.
Meanwhile, Delhi University Teachers Association (DUTA) said it will hold a protest on the varsity campus Wednesday seeking an independent probe into the radiation exposure. The protest will be near Vice Chancellor Deepak Pental’s office on Wednesday.
The teachers want President Pratibha Patil, who is the visitor of the university, to constitute a committee to examine the case.
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