388 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
civil engineering profession for more than thirty years, and has already had some experience in such work. He says that till the development of atomic research to its present stage, the most common methods revolved round science of bunds, embankments or revetments. Recent advances in the science of river-training, however, have brought new knowledge and techniques which could be employed with some effect in controlling the rivers which bring so much misery year after year. He further asserts that ‘these methods and techniques may be utilised as stop-gap measures. But for permanent remedies we must look elsewhere.’
I questioned him to explain to me his permanent plan of controlling river floods. I reproduce below that he told me :
“The development of atomic science brings the hope that there is a permanent way. The river of sorrow can be brought under control, tamed and trained as we desire and serve our purposes by the application of what is known as nuclear fission. The application of this method will be easily understood by those who have worked out Ohm’s Law of saturation, current and disruptive discharge and consolidation over the trajectories caused by the action of neutrons.”
“How does this Ohm’s Law work and what is its relation to atomic science ?”
Neutrons
“Atomic physicists can answer this question more fully. It is possible to produce today torrents of neutrons by nuclear reactors. These torrents of neutrons can be made to penetrate easily the fathoms of river water to regulate the water levels as well as the catchment areas. Thereby the flood flow can be controlled and regulated so as to serve our needs in irrigation and power projects. The rest of the flood water can be instantly evaporated.
“It may be asked why neutrons are so effective as probes of matter. The answer is simple. Neutrons have no electric charge. Unaffected by the clouds of negative charge with which electrons surround the atomic nuclei Neutrons pass easily through the depths of water and dredge the silt and sand and even scrap the rock-beds to any desired depth and discharge the entire stuff either