Merely calling nuclear energy safe and essential will not suffice at a time when even urban pockets do not have access to healthcare made possible through nuclear technology, said Director of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre Sekhar Basu.

Speaking to The Indian Express hours after taking charge on Tuesday, Basu said that there is a need to show people the social face of nuclear energy. He took over from outgoing director R K Sinha, who was recently appointed as the Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission.