Home>>World
Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Monday, September 22, 2003

India to build nuclear bunkers to shield cabinet

India's Nuclear Command Authority (NCA), which has the final say in using nuclear weapons, has decided to build two bunkers to protect the cabinet in the event of a nuclear strike, the Hindustan Times reported on Monday.


PRINT DISCUSSION CHINESE SEND TO FRIEND


India's Nuclear Command Authority (NCA), which has the final say in using nuclear weapons, has decided to build two bunkers to protect the cabinet in the event of a nuclear strike, the Hindustan Times reported on Monday.

The first such shelter will come up in South Block that houses the prime minister's office and the ministries of defence and external affairs, according to the Hindustan Times, a leading national English newspaper.

The decision was taken on September 1 at the first meeting of the political council of NCA since it was constituted after New Delhi proclaimed its nuclear command structure in January.

The political council reportedly decided to construct bunkers where the cabinet could take shelter so that the country's political leadership was not wiped out and from which the government could operate.

Work is under way to scout for a suitable location for a back-up bunker in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan or Uttar Pradesh where the cabinet could be flown easily from Delhi.

According to the paper, there was no unanimity over the location of the second bunker. the defence minister and finance minister are believed to have sought more details about the seven or eight sites that were suggested.

The paper also cited the example that hours after the 9.11 terror attacks in the US, vice-president Cheney was moved to a secret bunker to protect America's second line of command.


Questions?Comments? Click here
    Advanced






India, US to Hold Biggest Joint Naval Exercise

US, India Monitor China's Nuclear Base for 30 Years

India to Test Fire Long-range Missile





 


Chinese swiped national treasure returns home ( 6 Messages)

Chinese tourists' unsocial behavior sparks concern at home ( 2 Messages)

Chinese women changing attitudes toward sexual life: survey ( 8 Messages)

China opposes US listing of China as major drugs producer: FM spokesman ( 9 Messages)

Chinese returning from abroad encounter reverse culture shock ( 5 Messages)

Foreigners see social graces and disgraces in China ( 2 Messages)



Copyright by People's Daily Online, all rights reserved