Pachauri on nuclear energy

To reduce the green house gases in the atmosphere, the use of nuclear energy is inevitable and India's track record on nuclear energy and safety is a proven one, just as its respect for non-proliferation, [Pachauri] said. India's impeccable record always gave strength and stood firm in spite of temptations offered to it from some quarters, Pachauri said. Nuclear co-operation opens up many opportunities and is in the interest of India and the world, he said.

"To mitigate global warming, policy makers and public should be made aware of the importance of nuclear energy. However, I will not recommend it for all societies in the world. You need skilled players and a good regulatory body and an impeccable track record and India has all of it," he said.

Pachauri, who had expressed scepticism about the use of nuclear power earlier, said he had done so since the cost of nuclear energy was high due to the gestation period. But the Indian nuclear industry has shown it could be done at a short duration (within five years) and therefore the cost-benefit ratio is in the country's interest, he said. (PTI)