Dr. RAMHARI ARYAL, secretary at the Ministry of Science and Technology,
spoke about the threat of radiation following the nuclear disaster in Japan. Excerpts:


Is there any threat for Nepal of radiation?
Since the disaster area is far from Nepal, there is no immediate mthreat of radiation in Nepal. We discussed this matter with our nuclear scientists. They said that there is no need to panic here.


Rumors are rife about the posssibility. How do you assure the people that they are just rumours?
The Ministry of Science and Technology has already issued a public statement following discussions with scientists and other stakeholders.


The Ministry has made every effort to calm the public. As the area is too far and even the wind direction is not headed west, there is no threat at all, according to our scientists.


Have you also consulted with the IAEA on this?
As a member of IAEA, Nepal can receive support from IAEA. But, at the moment, there is no need to seek any support from IAEA.

Do we have a long term strategy to cope with such a crisis in the future?
We are working to make necessary arrangements to enhance our capabilities to cope with these things in the future.


The Ministry has already started the work and we are also seeking support from international agencies.