The Impact of Nuclear Testing on Food Safety in Kashmir
One of the major concerns in the aftermath of nuclear testing is the bio-accumulation of radioactive isotopes like Cesium-137 and Strontium-90. These isotopes, with half-lives of 30 and 29 years respectively, can enter the food chain through contaminated soil, water, and vegetation. They accumulate in the tissues of grazing animals and ultimately in humans who consume their meat.
The consequences of nuclear tests conducted globally since 1945 have been devastating for local biospheres. The effects range from immediate ecosystem destruction to long-term radioactive contamination of soil, groundwater, and environments, impacting both humans and livestock for generations.
The situation is particularly concerning for Kashmir, which faces a significant trade imbalance in mutton production. With only 30,000 tonnes of mutton produced locally but an annual consumption of approximately 60,000 tonnes, Kashmir relies heavily on imports. This reliance leads to the importation of around 14 lakh sheep and goats each year, draining between Rs 1,000 and Rs 1,400 crore from the local economy.
Mehraej Ahmad Ganaie, a senior official of the Mutton Dealers Association Kashmir (MDAK), highlights that the major supply chain for mutton in Kashmir comes from regions like “Ujlan-Jaisalmer, Jaipal Basti, Jaisalmer, and Sikar areas of Rajasthan,” as well as Haryana, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh. The proximity of these regions to nuclear test sites raises urgent questions that remain unanswered.
Besides the radiological concerns, there are also worries about the quality and safety of meat from animals that undergo immense stress during long-distance transportation in often unregulated conditions. Stress can compromise animal immunity and meat quality, increasing contamination and disease risks.
The Regulatory Challenges
While the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) focuses on food safety and preventing contamination through environmental sources, radiation levels in food and livestock fall under the jurisdiction of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) and the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairy (DAHD).
Despite this division of responsibilities, there has been no comprehensive, independent study to determine if livestock from areas near nuclear test sites like Pokhran carry radiological contamination or if they constitute the majority of imports entering Kashmir’s food chain.
The official stance remains unchanged, citing a lack of conclusive, government-approved studies establishing direct causal links. The absence of independent, longitudinal, and transparent research poses a significant gap in the food safety measures for Kashmir.
While the people of Khetolai lack scientific evidence to seek redress, Kashmiris also lack the assurance that imported mutton is safe for consumption. The volume of anecdotal evidence from Pokhran raises reasonable doubts that official dismissals cannot adequately address.
