BARC stands for Bhaba Atomic Research Center. It is a premier nuclear research centre in India. It is located in Trombay, Mumbai. Its main job is to find out the peaceful applications of nuclear energy particularly in the area of power generation and utilization. As of 2016, Mr. K. N. Vyas is the Director of BARC. He is a Mechanical Engineering graduate from Maharaja Sayajirao (MS) University of Vadodara.
BARC also conducts research on spent fuel processing (used nuclear fuel processing), disposal of nuclear waste, agriculture, and medicine, etc. It is also responsible for the smooth functioning of various nuclear reactors in the country.
BARC: Bhaba Atomic Research Center
Brief History
- The nuclear program in India was started by Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha. In 1945, He established Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) for nuclear science research.
- In January 1954, Dr. Bhabha established Atomic Energy Establishment, Trombay (AEET) to intensify the nuclear programs and exploit nuclear energy for the betterment of the nation.
- Dr. Bhabha also established various BARC Training Schools to fulfill the manpower needs of the atomic energy research and development programs.
- In 1966, after the demise of Dr. Bhabha, AEET was renamed Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) on 22 January 1967.
- The experts at BARC continued the nuclear research programs with an objective to make India independent in the area of electric power generation.