Starting on August 24, Japan will commence the release of Fukushima water into the Ocean
Image Source: The Kathmandu Post
In a significant development, Japan is set to initiate the release of treated radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the ocean, starting from August 24. This decision, announced on Tuesday, has sparked intense criticism, particularly from China. The Japanese government’s plan involves discharging more than one million metric tonnes of treated water as part of its efforts to decommission the plant.
The strategy, which the Japanese government authorized two years ago, is essential for decommissioning the nuclear power plant run by Tokyo Electric Power Company (Tepco) (9501.T). It has also come under fire from regional fishing organizations, who worry about reputational harm and an imminent danger to their way of life.
The water release is anticipated to begin on August 24, only if the weather cooperates, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida stated on Tuesday morning. “I have requested Tepco to promptly arrange for the water’s release to comply with the Schedule authorized by the Nuclear Regulations Authority,” Kishida added.
The news came a day after the government claimed to have gained “a certain level of understanding” among the fishing sectors about the release of the water, even though fishing claimed that it anticipated that the negative publicity would cause lives to be destroyed. Even if it takes decades, we will assume full responsibility for guaranteeing that the fishing industry can continue to support its workers, Kishida stated on Monday.
According to Japan, the water release is secure. The scheme was approved in July by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the U.N. nuclear watchdog, which said that it matched global requirements and would result in “negligible” effects on individuals and the planet.
The safety of the idea has drawn criticism from a few neighboring nations, with Beijing emerging as the most vocal opponent. In July, the foreign ministry’s spokesperson, Wang Wenbin, claimed that Japan had acted conceitedly and haughtily and had not properly informed the international community before releasing the water.
Ten Japanese regions, including Tokyo and Fukushima, faced seafood import limitations imposed by China. Imports of seafood from different regions are permitted; however, they have to undergo radiation examinations and have documentation proving they were produced somewhere other than the ten regions that are prohibited.
South Korean activists have spoken out against Japan’s intentions to dump treated water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power facility into the Pacific Ocean. Regardless, Seoul’s analysis reveals compliance with international norms and adherence to the IAEA’s evaluation.
Pacific Island nations, which have served as nuclear test sites, are divided on the issue. Sitiveni Rabuka, the Prime Minister of Fiji, endorses the IAEA findings but recognizes regional debate.
Japan, led by Prime Minister Kishida, is adamant about proper international comprehension. Following filtering to remove most radioactive materials, including tritium, will make the treated water greatly diluted before release. The findings of the testing, which will be ready in September, will assure openness, including fish tests near the facility.
-Yusra Chand
Team Profile
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