Modi Government Gives The Nod For Six Nuclear Reactors in Andhra Pradesh

The government has given in-principle approval for the construction of of six light water nuclear reactors in Andhra Pradesh, Minister of State for Atomic Energy and Space Jitendra Singh informed Rajya Sabha in a written reply on Thursday.The government is now looking for suitable sites for the construction of the plants.

"The approval has been given for a site at Kovvada in Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh for the six reactors in cooperation with the United States. Pre-project activities, including land acquisition, obtaining statutory clearances and detailed site investigations are continuing at the site," the minister said in his reply.

The minister added that the government has started discussions on “techno-commercial aspects” to reach the project-proposal stage with Westinghouse Electric Company (WEC). "The procedures involved in pre-project activities take time. Similarly, negotiations with foreign technology partners involving legal, regulatory, technical and commercial aspects also take time," he said.

Some local groups near Kavali in Andhra Pradesh have raised concerns about safety and the impact on livelihood. To address the concerns of the local population, the government will organise an extensive outreach programme and will take measures to spread awareness, the minister informed.