• North India’s first nuclear project coming up in Haryana, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said in Lok Sabha on March 19.

• Gorakhpur Haryana Anu Vidyut Pariyojana (GHAVP) will be situated in the Fatehabad district of Haryana. It is proposed to have 4x700 MWe Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) types of nuclear power plants at GHAVP Site.

• The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project in Maharashtra, calling it a critical step toward India’s clean energy future. He clarified that environmental clearance for the project is under renewal and that necessary safeguards are in place to address ecological and safety concerns.

Points highlighted by the minister:

• Timeline: Initial approvals were granted in 2008, but delays occurred due to changes in agreements with French stakeholders. Technical agreements have now been finalised, and discussions are ongoing to settle commercial terms with the French side.

• Capacity: Six nuclear reactors, each with a capacity of 1,730 MW, totalling 10,380 MW. This will contribute 10 per cent of India’s 100 GW nuclear energy target by 2047.

• Environmental Concerns: Environmental clearance for the project is under renewal. The project’s environmental clearance had expired in December 2022 due to procedural delays, not because of new environmental objections. The minister cited evidence-based studies to reassure that there is no risk to marine life, fisheries, or local communities.

• Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage (CLND) Framework: Provides clear safeguards, with primary responsibility resting on the operator. An insurance pool of Rs 1,500 crore has been established, with additional government commitments if needed. India has also aligned with global compensation mechanisms to ensure financial security in case of any incident.

• Private Sector Participation: The government is opening the nuclear energy sector to private participation to accelerate expansion and meet clean energy targets. The Gorakhpur Nuclear Power Plant is a key example of this new approach.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)