Date:02/08/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/08/02/stories/2005080202840100.htm

Back 2 BARC reactors in `safe shutdown' mode

Our Bureau

Mumbai , Aug. 1

BHABHA Atomic Research Centre (BARC) has put two of its three reactors in a "safe shutdown" mode.

The reactors, Dhruva and Cirus, were shut-down last Tuesday, when Mumbai received heavy rainfall. The oldest and third reactor, Apsara has been in shut-down mode for about two months for maintenance.

"It is a procedure undertaken when the water-level in the in-take wells (which are near the sea) rise beyond a particular mark. Water from these wells are used for cooling purposes," Mr Swapnesh K.Malhotra, spokesperson Department of Atomic Energy, told Business Line.

He pointed out that there was no cause for alarm on count of radioactivity or any other reason. On when the reactors would be started, he said that would be decided by the authorities when the weather clears up.