Lok Sabha Question No. 812 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-04
Subject: Comprehensive Security Reviews
Ministry: ATOMIC ENERGY
Asked by: Dr. Rajkumar Sangwan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-812

ANSWERED ON  04.02.2026

## COMPREHENSIVE SECURITY REVIEWS

## 812. DR. RAJKUMAR SANGWAN

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:-

- (a) whether the Government is carrying out a comprehensive security review of security projects/arrangements  related  to  existing  and  under  construction/proposed  nuclear power plants in the country in the context of current global security challenges, rising geopolitical tensions and cyber threats;
- (b) if so, the details of the funds/percentage spent on safety testing, risk assessment, cyber security, emergency preparedness and compliance with regulatory standards out of the expenditure incurred/proposed for research, design and deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) during the last three years, year and project-wise; and
- (c) the details of the Government's comprehensive action plan, timelines and progress/achievements made so far for safety upgradation of old nuclear plants and strengthening of the national nuclear security framework including physical security, cyber security and disaster management in view of security concerns and the steps taken to complete the pending works?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS AND PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE (DR. JITENDRA SINGH)

- (a)  to  (c)  Considering  the  prevailing  security  scenario  and  threat  perceptions,  MHA  has categorized DAE's vital installations into four categories as 'A to D' on the basis of sensitivity. Security audit of these installations are carried out by IB/MHA as per the periodicity prescribed for each category. Recommendations are implemented considering the suitability and feasibility.  All operating nuclear power plants in the country  are  under  security  cover  of  Central  Industrial  Security  Force  (CISF)  and integrated  security  systems  including  Electronic  Surveillance  Systems  and  Access Control mechanisms are in place to deter security breach.

Department of Atomic Energy is working on the design and development of several types of reactors.  In the context of current global security challenges, rising geopolitical tensions and cyber threats, the department has incorporated several best practices in the design of all its reactors, which will also apply to design and development of future reactors  including  SMRs.  The  safety  and  security  critical  systems  are  designed  and developed in-house using custom built hardware and software which are subjected to regulatory verification and validation, thereby making them resistant to cyber security threats. The safety and security critical infrastructure of Indian nuclear establishments, such as control network and safety systems of plants are isolated from Internet and the local IT network.

Department of Atomic Energy has specialist groups like Computer and Information Security Advisory Group (CISAG) to look after cyber security/information security of DAE units. These groups undertake the process of strengthening cyber security of all units under DAE including nuclear facilities through hardening of systems and audits. With respect to nuclear security, AERB regulates those engineering aspects of nuclear security which have a bearing on safety, within the main plant boundary of Nuclear Power  Plant  (NPP),  as  per  requirements  specified  in  the  AERB  document  titled 'Nuclear  Security  Requirements  for  Nuclear  Power  Plants'.  AERB  carries  out  the regulatory review for the operation and maintenance of nuclear security systems within main plant boundary including Operating Island, Vital / Inner areas and Central Alarm Station.  AERB  ensures  that  the  operating  NPPs  comply  with  the  nuclear  security requirements  specified  in  this  document  and  same  is  being  verified  during  periodic regulatory inspections of NPPs.

Well established SOPs for disaster management are in place which are periodically reviewed by National Agencies.  For existing nuclear power plants, periodic emergency exercises are jointly conducted by local authority, NPP operator, AERB and DAE in coordination with National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to test the offsite  emergency  preparedness  and  Response  Plan  and  District  Disaster  Management Plan. Comprehensive review of security arrangement has been carried out during such exercises along with the review of safety and emergency preparedness.

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