Atomic Energy Regulatory Board [AERB]

Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) is a government of India initiative introduced to regulate the use of nuclear energy in the country. This authority monitors the use of nuclear energy and ensures that it does not harm public health and the environment. The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board was established on 15 November 1983.

Since nuclear energy is potentially dangerous, it should be used under strict supervision and the AERB does just that. In this article, we have shared all the important details about the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, its history, functions, and significance.

Atomic Energy Regulatory Board: Overview

The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) was set up on 15 November 1983 under the Atomic Energy Act 1962 by the President of India. The Board's primary function is to carry out the safety and regulatory functions mentioned under Sections 16, 17, and 23 of the Act.

The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board also ensures that Atomic energy and Radiation technologies are utilized following international benchmarks and well-established requirements. Here is an overview of this regulatory body.

About Atomic Energy

Atomic energy, also known as Nuclear Energy, has several industrial applications, such as hydrogen production, seawater desalination, district cooling or heating, coal-to-liquid conversion, and other purposes. While atomic energy is useful, it can also be potentially harmful to the environment and the health of humans.

The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board makes sure that nuclear energy and ionizing radiation do not pose any serious risk to people's health and the environment. It also checks whether the organizations using nuclear energy are following regulations or not.

Atomic Energy Regulatory Board: Laws

In line with the AERB and the Atomic Energy Act 1962, the government of India has also enacted the following laws to govern the activities of organizations engaged in the use of Atomic energy.

• Atomic Energy (Radiation Protection) Rules, 2004
• Atomic Energy (Working of the Mines Minerals and Handling of the Prescribed Substances) Rules, 1984
• Atomic Energy (Safe Disposal of Radioactive Wastes) Rules, 1987
• Atomic Energy (Factories) Rules, 1996
• Atomic Energy (Radiation Processing of Food and Allied Products) Rules, 2012

Atomic Energy Regulatory Board: Significance

The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board is a significant organization because it oversees the usage of atomic energy, which could be dangerous, if not supervised. We have explained the significance of AERB in more detail below.

• The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board has established a well-laid-out regulatory framework to check whether facility owners are following the rules laid down by the Act or not.
• The purview of the Board includes overseeing organizations engaged in the establishment and operation of nuclear and radiation facilities.
• The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board also monitors organizations involved in the transportation of nuclear and radioactive materials.
• It can also take penal actions against any facility contravening or violating the Atomic Energy Act's provisions.

Atomic Energy Radiation Board: Functions

Here are the top functions of the Atomic Energy Radiation Board:

• Design safety policies in the areas of radiation, nuclear, and industrial safety.
• The AERB also designs Guides, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and Safety Codes for the construction, design, commissioning, operation, and decommissioning of various radiation and nuclear facilities.
• The Atomic Energy Radiation Board approves and grants consent to new or existing nuclear and radiation facilities regarding their commissioning, construction, operation, or decommissioning
• AERB publishes acceptable radiation exposure limits for occupational workers and the general public. The Board also publishes the acceptable limits of a radioactive release in the environment.
• AERB evaluates the emergency preparedness plans of nuclear and radiation facilities engaged in the transportation of irradiated fuels, fissile materials, and radioactive sources.
• It prescribes the qualification, licensing policies, and syllabi of training programs for nuclear and radiation facility personnel.
• The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board informs the public about the significance of radiological safety.
• It coordinates with statutory bodies in India and abroad to ensure the safety protocols are properly met.
• AERB aids in research and development in safety matters.
• The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board follows the rules laid in the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act 2010 to notify the public about any nuclear incident in India's nuclear installations.

Board Members of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board

The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) has played an instrumental role in promoting radiological and nuclear safety in India. The Board keeps a close watch on organizations engaged in nuclear and radiation activities in the country and prescribes training programs. The members of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board are as follows.

• The Chairman of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board is Dr. DK. Shukla.
• Shri S. B. Chafle is the Ex-Officio Member and Chairman, of SARCOP.
• Dr. Harsh K. Gupta, Dr. G. K. Rath, Prof. Devang V. Khakhar, and Prof. (Mrs.) M. Lakshmi Kantam are all Members of the AERB.

FAQs on Atomic Energy Regulatory Board [AERB]

Q1. What is the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board?

The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) is an authority that regulates the use of nuclear energy in India. It ensures that the use of nuclear energy and ionizing radiation is done in a safe manner. Maintaining the health of the environment and the public is one of the top priorities of the AERB.

Q2. Who started the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board and when?

The Government of India formed the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) on 15 November 1983. This regulatory authority was introduced under the Atomic Energy Act 1962 by the President of India. The aim of AERB is to regulate and monitor the usage of nuclear energy in India.

Q3. Who is the chairman of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board?

The Chairman of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board is Dr. D.K. Shukla. Some of the former Chairmen of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board are Prof. A.K. D.E., Shri S.D. Soman, Dr. A. Gopalakrishnan, Prof. P. Rama Rao, Prof. S.P. Sukhatme, and others.

Q4. AERB comes under which ministry?

AERB, or the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board comes under the direct jurisdiction of the government of India. This authority was formed under the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and the Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986. The objective of AERB is to ensure that the use of nuclear energy does not harm the environment or the public.

Q5. What is the full form of AERB?

The full form of AERB is Atomic Energy Regulation Board. This regulatory body was established by the Government of India in 1983 to ensure that public and environmental health are maintained while using nuclear energy.

Q6. What is the role of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board?

The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) has established a well-laid-out regulatory framework to check whether nuclear and radiation facility owners are following the rules laid down by the Act or not. AERB aims to ensure public and environmental health.

Q7. Where is the headquarters of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board?

The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board headquarters is located in Anushaktinagar, Mumbai. This regulatory body supervises the use of nuclear energy in the country. It also monitors organizations using nuclear energy to see if they are complying with the norms and regulations.