Hisar: The importance of switching over to nuclear power was underlined at a workshop organised here today to remove misgivings in the minds of people about the safety of such power plants. The workshop was organised by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. Addressing mediapersons, Anuj Sinha, a former adviser to the Department of Science and Technology, said the only answer to India’s burgeoning energy needs was nuclear power. He said thermal power plants, whether coal-fired or gas-fired, caused much pollution and consumed so much fuel that it would be impossible to supply them fuel in the years to come. He said nuclear power plants had thus far been found the safest and cleanest way to generate ample power. Sinha said the media had a great role to play in removing the misgivings in the minds of people about the safety of nuclear power plants. These misgivings could be removed completely if the media helped bring out scientific facts to convince those who were opposing such plants. Sinha said modern nuclear plants were completely safe and there were no issues relating to disposal of radioactive waste. Another expert, Dr Devakinandan, said the level of radiation around nuclear power plants was insignificant compared to safe radiation levels prescribed by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board. He said these plants were being opposed as people were not aware of the facts.