Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project gets a green nod

The 9,900- mw Jaitapur nuclear power project in Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra to be set up in collaboration with a French firm has received a green clearance from the Union Environment Ministry which prescribed 35 conditions and safeguards. Union Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh declared in Mumbai on Sunday that the Centre has given a green signal for the nuclear power plant which is said to be one of the biggest nuclear power plants in the country. Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) has signed an agreement with the French collaborator AREVA for establishing this complex.

Speaking to mediapersons, Ramesh said, "Today is a historic day as NPCIL has been granted an environmental clearance for 6x1650 mw power generating complex which will be implemented in phases at Madban village in Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra. We are taking an important leap as far as the development of the State and country is concerned.'' Jairam said he considered various issues like economic growth, diversification of fuel mix for power generation and environment protection before giving nod to the proposed project on Konkan coast, which had faced opposition from locals and green groups.

Jairam said the Jaitapur project was one of the biggest nuclear projects which is absolutely environmental- friendly and will not emit green house gases. Electricity was a basic input, which was closely associated with the economic development of the nation.

Jairam added, Even after the introduction of several energy projects, we are still facing power shortage. While planning the energy resources, a wise mixture of hydro, thermal, nuclear and renewable is an important aspect.

India has to expand its nuclear power, as it is biggest medium of development for the nation and its people." The project had been opposed by groups like the Konkan Bachao Samiti which expressed concern about the radiological safety of the nuclear plant and its impact on the environment.

They also pointed "faults" in the environmental impact assessment report prepared by the National Environment Engineering Research Institute ( NEERI) alleging it was based on generic and incomplete inputs on radioactive threats.

Explaining that he had to do the balancing act, Jairam said, " The clearance of the project will also help in generating employment. This is a balancing act as far as environment and development is concerned. The Konkan Bachao Samiti had earlier raised concerns over the management of the waste emitted from the plant. About 600 hectares of land will stay as green belt. I have placed 35 conditions on the grounds of which the nuclear project will be built up. The introduction of this project will resolve the energy and employment issues of the nation." On his connection with the project, Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan said, " Today is an emotional day for me as I have been a part of India's nuclear journey way back in July 2005. The induction of this project is the first step towards eliminating India's nuclear isolation.

"There are a total of six reactors of 1650 mw capacity, which will soon produce 10,000 mw energy when the project will be completed. The waste material emitted from the plant will not be released into the sea. Rather it will be recycled inside the plant itself. This project will resolve energy crisis of the state," Chavan added.

People residing in the Jaitapur have rejected the compensation offered to them in return for their land for building the project. Approximately 2335 farmers will be affected because of the project.

Emphasising on this issue Chavan said, " We will now begin commercial negotiations with the people in Jaitapur by personally visiting the place. I have requested State Minister for Rehabilitation Patangrao Kadam to offer balanced compensation to the people and I assure people of Jaitapur that no injustice will be done to them. The people will be offered liberal compensation in the forms of money for business or they will be given jobs in the nuclear power plant."