The United Nations(UN)’s International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day is annually observed across the globe on 26th April to commemorate the anniversary of the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear power plant disaster, one of the most serious nuclear accidents in history.
- 26th April 2022 marks the 36th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear reactor disaster that took place on 26th April 1986.
The day also creates awareness of the long-term consequences of the Chernobyl disaster and the risks of nuclear energy.
Background:
i.The United Nations General Assembly(UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/71/125 on 8th December 2016 and proclaimed the 26th April of every year, starting from 2017, as the International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day.
ii.The first-ever International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day was observed on 26th April 2017.
Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant Disaster:
i.In 1986, an explosion at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant spread a radioactive cloud over the parts of the Soviet Union, now the territories of Belarus, Ukraine and the Russian Federation.
ii.The chemical explosion released around 520 dangerous radionuclides into the atmosphere.
iii.Around 8.4 million people in these three countries were exposed to radiation.
iv.According to the official report, 31 people died immediately and 600,000 “liquidators,” involved in fire-fighting and clean-up operations, were exposed to high doses of radiation.
Note:
Since the 1986 disaster, the UN and major Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) have launched more than 230 different research and assistance projects in the fields of health, nuclear safety, rehabilitation, environment, production of clean foods and information
Recent Development:
i.In 2019, The completion of the placement of the new safe confinement over the old shelter was achieved with 2.2 billion euro provided by over 45 donor nations through funds managed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
ii.The new safe confinement was handed over to the Government of Ukraine on 10 July 2019.
