Doha: The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, represented by the Radiation Protection Department, plays a pivotal role in strengthening the environmental protection system and monitoring radiological hazards. It can be considered the safety valve and first line of defense against radioactive pollution, as it oversees the Radiation Data Monitoring and Analysis Unit, the heart of the comprehensive environmental monitoring system.
According to Qatar News Agency, the unit relies on advanced mechanisms and technologies that enable it to monitor radiation levels in various terrestrial, marine, and atmospheric environments and analyze data with high accuracy and in real time. This contributes to facilitating appropriate decision-making and ensuring the highest standards of protection for both people and the environment.
The Radiation Protection Department at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment has a number of vital responsibilities that form the regulatory and technical framework for the country's radiation safety system. These responsibilities include preparing regulations, guidelines, instructions, and technical instructions related to radiation protection; formulating the necessary standards and requirements to regulate all practices related to radioactive materials, sources, and radiation-emitting devices, including mechanisms for the safe disposal of radioactive waste in accordance with the highest international standards.
Furthermore, it works on developing comprehensive nuclear and radiation safety plans, reviewing and approving emergency plans for facilities handling radioactive materials, establishing and operating an early warning network to monitor potential radiation leaks, reviewing licensing applications for radiological facilities and practices, conducting necessary inspections for issuing licenses and monitoring their validity, and carrying out periodic inspections to verify compliance with established requirements.
In this context, Eng. Hamad Salah Ibrahim, Assistant Director of the Radiation Protection Department, stated that the Early Warning and Analysis Unit for Radiation Monitoring is one of the most prominent technical pillars supporting the national preparedness and response system through continuous coordination with various relevant entities in the country.
He noted that the unit operates around the clock to monitor any unusual changes or increases in radiation levels, with data analyzed and evaluated immediately to support decision-makers. The team, comprising nuclear engineers and radiation monitors, conducts monitoring, analysis, and evaluation to ensure preparedness in both emergency and routine situations.
Concluding his statement, Eng. Hamad Salah Ibrahim explained that the unit also handles international reports received from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and exchanges information with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, contributing to regional integration in radiation monitoring and analysis.
For his part, Eng. (Nuclear) Bader Nasser Al Saadi, Head of the Radiation Measurements Laboratory, stated that radiation levels in the State of Qatar are within normal and safe limits. He emphasized the laboratory's pivotal role in monitoring and analyzing various environmental samples according to the highest international standards.
He noted that the operational mechanism is based on three main pillars: monitoring radiation levels, supporting national emergency response plans, and providing data to support decision-makers. These efforts enhance the country's preparedness through integration with national entities and the use of the latest technologies.
Concluding his remarks, Eng. Bader Nasser Al-Saadi affirmed that work is ongoing to develop capabilities and strengthen the monitoring and analysis system, thereby achieving the highest levels of radiation safety for the State of Qatar.