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Chidambaram ridicules Western doubts over nuclear tests

Two of the architects of Pokhran II nuclear tests, Dr R Chidambaram and Dr Satinderkumar Sikka, today emphasised that the May 1998 explosions had given a perfect match between calculated and measured yields and that the undermining of the yields by Western experts was just a game-plan to disprove that India had tested a hydrogen bomb.

In May 1998, India tested a fission device, a thermo- nuclear device and three sub-kiloton devices. "All the devices that were tested were based on robust designs and the tests have provided us with necessary database required for a credible nuclear deterrent, Dr Chidambaram stressed after receiving the H K Firodia award for excellence in science and technology at the hands of eminent scientist Dr Raja Ramanna in Pune on Tuesday evening. The award carries a cash prize of Rs 200,000 and a trophy.

Dr Sikka received the second award, carrying a cash prize of Rs 100,000 and a trophy, also at the hands of Dr Ramanna.

In the two-stage thermonuclear device, popularly known as the hydrogen bomb, the first stage used was a fusion-boosted fission device for getting enhanced radiation density to detonate the second stage, Dr Chidambaram said.

Dr Chidambaram stressed that post-test drillings at the explosion sites had also provided plenty of information and all the data gathered are consistent with whatever had been predicted by the Indian scientists in terms of yields.

The five tests were carried out in five different shafts and the explosions have produced craters which are visible to anybody and can be detected by a satellite of even low resolution, Dr Chidambaram remarked caustically while chiding the Western experts.

Moreover, some of the seismic stations of the CTBT verification system did not pick up signals from the May 13 sub-kiloton tests since the CTBT verification system has a threshold detection limit of one kiloton. The May tests have, therefore, indicated many weak points in the CTBT verification system, Dr Chidambaram stated.

"The tests have given us the capability to carry out successful computer simulation, if necessary, once the CTBT comes into force and if India becomes a signatory," Dr Chidambaram said.

UNI

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