Coal news and updates

Thirty-four years after they were first proposed in Madhya Pradesh, the fate of its first two nuclear power plants still hangs in balance.

 

After they were first proposed in 1982, the Centre gave ‘in principle’ approval for setting up 1,400 MW nuclear power plant at Chutka village in tribal-predominant Mandla district in 2009, and 2,800 MW nuclear power plant at Bhimpur village in Shivpuri district in 2011.

 

The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) will set up indigenous pressurised heavy water reactors at two plants to produce electricity.

 

While NPCIL is still carrying out survey, compiling data and checking water availability for Bhimpur plant, the land acquisition is incomplete for Chutka after seven years of the Centre’s nod as some project-affected people have moved court to demand fair compensation for their lands to be acquired for the project.

 

Though the project cost is ₹15 crore per MW, the state energy department feels that time and cost over-runs in their construction will be phenomenal. “The reasons for this include delays arising from doubts on safety features of nuclear reactors and financial problems of reactor-supplying companies. Will not be surprised if government yields to pressures from western MNCs (multinational companies) and opt for imported reactors, fuel which will increase the cost manifold,” an energy department official said wishing anonymity.

 

According to NPCIL associate director Ashok Kumar Nema, exact cost of Chutka plant will depend on how fast the project is implemented. “It may take five years to complete project once construction starts. Construction will commence soon after government gives financial sanction,” Nema told HT.

 

Located in catchment area of Bargi dam built on Narmada river, Chutka’s Gond tribals are unhappy with compensation government is offering.

Source:hindustantimes.com