Nuclear Power Plant Security and Emergency Preparedness Framework
The Department of Atomic Energy has implemented comprehensive security measures across all nuclear power plants in India, including the Kudankulam facility. Security assessments are conducted periodically through both internal reviews and external audits by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), with additional evaluations performed by external government agencies. All observations from these assessments are systematically reviewed, monitored, and necessary upgrades are implemented for full compliance.
State-of-the-art electronic security and surveillance systems are operational at all nuclear power plants, including Perimeter Intrusion Detection System, Access Control System, X-Ray Baggage Inspection System, and CCTV Monitoring System. These systems are integrated as fundamental components of the plant infrastructure. AERB conducts regular regulatory inspections specifically focused on nuclear security aspects across all facilities.
Cybersecurity protection for nuclear installations receives the highest priority, with continuous monitoring and surveillance mechanisms actively detecting and responding to cyber threats. The security framework includes preventive and protective measures such as access controls, regular security audits, vulnerability assessments, incident response mechanisms, and capacity-building programs. CERT-in enhances national cybersecurity posture by issuing alerts and advisories on emerging threats, coordinating incident response, and providing remedial measures to affected organizations through the National Cyber Coordination Centre (NCCC).
Emergency Preparedness Plans (EPPs), approved by the regulatory authority, are established at all nuclear power plant sites including Kudankulam. Periodic exercises involve multiple stakeholders including local administration, security agencies, and nuclear plant authorities. Exercise feedback is utilized to validate and improve emergency preparedness plans. The current exercise schedule includes Table Top exercises every two years, Integrated Command, Control & Response (ICCR) exercises every three years, and Mock Exercises according to NDMA schedule.
All nuclear power plant authorities conduct these exercises at the stipulated frequencies. The ICCR exercise at Kudankulam NPP was conducted on April 15, 2025, while all other NPP sites have conducted their latest ICCR exercises between September 2024 and present. Specifically, the Kalpakkam site conducted an offsite emergency exercise in ICCR mode on July 17, 2026, initiated from PFBR with participation from District Administration.