T. Ramasami, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, on Monday said there was no need for yet another thermonuclear test, as the Pokhran-II data had demonstrated its “designed impact.”
“Test a success”
He was talking to The Hindu at Kundrakudi, near here, after inaugurating a seminar.
“The test is a success. I don’t have the original data. But based on the secondary data, I can say the Pokhran-II is a success.”
Many eminent scientists, who were part of the programme, averred that the test had achieved its goal.
No one could raise doubts about the country’s nuclear capabilities. The Atomic Energy Commission and its Chairman did not feel the need for another test, he said.
The apprehension raised by some was only about the “yield” and not about the nuclear capacity.
Mr. Ramasami said that if the “persons concerned” had a different view, they should have come out with it within a reasonable period after the test, which was conducted in 1998. It might have given opportunities to verify the doubts on specific areas.
