North India’s First Nuclear Power Plant To Be Set Up In Haryana: Dr. Jitendra Singh

Chandigarh, Mar 20 (KNN) Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh has announced that North India's first nuclear project will be established in Gorakhpur, a small town in Haryana. 

The revelation came during the Minister's address to the Lok Sabha, where he reaffirmed the government's commitment to expanding India's nuclear energy capabilities, including the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project.

Responding to concerns raised in Parliament, Dr. Singh provided clarification regarding the environmental clearance status of the Jaitapur project, noting that it is currently under renewal. 

He emphasised that the necessary safeguards are in place to address ecological and safety concerns that have been raised by various stakeholders.

The Minister expressed confidence in the project's safety despite objections from conservation groups and concerns about its location in a seismic zone. 

Dr. Singh stated that concerns regarding risks to marine life and local livelihoods have been repeatedly addressed. 

"We have tried to allay all these apprehensions that there is no such risk to the marine life, the fisheries, or the people living around, there are ample number of evidence-based studies to prove that," he assured Parliament.

Dr. Singh further explained that the environmental clearance had expired in December 2022 due to procedural delays rather than new environmental objections. 

"If there were very serious environmental hazards or any apprehension or evidence, then we would not have got the environment clearance even earlier," he noted.

The Minister outlined the project's timeline, explaining that while initial approvals were granted in 2008, delays occurred due to changes in agreements with French stakeholders. 

With technical agreements now finalised, discussions are ongoing to settle commercial terms with the French partners. 

Once operational, the Jaitapur plant will house six nuclear reactors, each with a capacity of 1,730 MW, for a total capacity of 10,380 MW—representing approximately 10 percent of India's 100 GW nuclear energy target for 2047.

Addressing concerns regarding nuclear liability, Dr. Singh detailed India's Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage (CLND) framework, which provides comprehensive safeguards. 

The primary responsibility rests with the operator, supported by an insurance pool of Rs 1,500 crore, with additional government commitments available if required. 

He noted that India has aligned with global compensation mechanisms to ensure financial security in the event of an incident.

In a notable policy development, the government is opening the nuclear energy sector to private participation to accelerate expansion. 

The upcoming Gorakhpur Nuclear Power Plant in Haryana was highlighted as a significant milestone in this broader vision, marking the first nuclear project in North India.

With India working toward achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, the Jaitapur project is expected to play a crucial role in meeting the country's clean energy objectives while strengthening its position as a leader in nuclear technology development and implementation.

(KNN Bureau)