Jamshedpur, Jan. 20: A team of experts from the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) is expected to visit the state to assess the site for the establishment of a nuclear power station.
The state government has selected East Singhbhum for a 1000 MW nuclear power plant since uranium was easily available from Jadugoda mines in Ghatshila subdivision.
“We have requested DAE to finalise the site for the project. We are expecting them shortly,” said state energy secretary Sudhir Prasad. He hinted that the team might come next month.
The state had asked for the Centre’s permission to set up the plant last year. Both the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) and the Nuclear Power Commission of India (NPCI) have accepted the government’s proposals.
Initially, the Tenughat Vidyut Nigam Limited (TVNL) was made the nodal agency for the project. Its failure to make satisfactory progress prompted the government to appoint the East Singhbhum district as the nodal agency, said energy department sources.
They added that deputy commissioner Sunil Kumar Burnwal has been made the nodal officer.
Burnwal will shortlist a few sites for the project before the team’s arrival, said sources. “It can be anywhere between Jamshedpur and Jadugoda. Details like the requirement of land and other things will be decided after consulting the DAE,” they added.
Prasad said the team would have the final word in the selection of the site. “They have the know-how to handle such projects as they have the required experience. After the site selection, DAE will also assist the government in preparing the blueprint,” the energy secretary added.
Burnwal said site selection work would begin soon. “We received directives from the government yesterday to select the sites and we will would try to complete the process by the end of this month,” he added.
District officials said the nodal officer can take the help of the Jadugoda-based Uranium Corporation of India (UCIL) to select the sites. “We can get in touch with UCIL and seek their help in this regard,” they added.
