IAEA head voices concerns over monitoring of Fukushima nuke wastewater release

Anjali Sharma

GG News Bureau
UNITED NATIONS, 14th March. UN watchdog agency International Atomic Energy Agency Director-General Rafael Grossi on Wednesday emphasized the IAEA’s role as an independent observer, reiterated the agency’s stance on maintaining vigilance throughout the process, referred to monitoring of Fukushima nuke wastewater release..

Grossi has stressed continued efforts in monitoring Japan’s ocean discharge of nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, local media reported on Wednesday.

He reiterated the agency’s commitment to monitorthe discharge as he met with local fishermen in Iwaki City of the northeast prefecture of Fukushima during a three-day trip in the country, news media reported.

Grossi underscored that the discharge marks merely the initial phase of a long process.

Mr. Grossi stated that “much effort will be required in the lengthy process ahead,” national news agency Kyodo reported.

His visit to Fukushima Prefecture marks Rafael Grossi’s first since July last year and notably, his first visit after the commencement of the discharge.

He is expected to inspect the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant to assess the discharge later in the afternoon.

Japanese government and the plant’s operator Tokyo Electric Power Company have asserted the safety and necessity of the discharge concerns have been raised by neighboring countries and local stakeholders regarding potential environmental impacts.

TEPCO started its fourth round of release of the nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the power plant into the Pacific Ocean, media stated.