Question : ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ON NUCLEAR POWER STATION

(a) whether the Government has taken note of criticism by the Scientists of Environment Law Alliance Worldwide of Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) report on proposed Nuclear Power Station at Ratnagiri;

(b) if so, the reaction of the Government thereon;

(c) whether the EIA conducted by the Government of the world`s largest Nuclear Power Park coming up at Jaitapur in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra has been found to suffer from serious lapses;

(d) if so, the other points made in the report; and

(e) the steps taken to remove these lapses?

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR PLANNING AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI V. NARAYANASAMY) :

(a) to (e) The Environmental Impact Assessment of the project was conducted by National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI). In addition, Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) have submitted a detailed bio-diversity assessment report of the region. The Central Water and Power Research Station has carried out model studies for temperature rise of the cooling water. All objections/ criticisms of the reports have been given due consideration by the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of the Ministry of Environment & Forest (MoE&F) for strategic projects. MoE&F have after detailed consideration of the reports and the objections thereto have accorded Environmental Clearance for the project subject to certain conditions. This inter alia, include preparation of a comprehensive bio diversity plan, constitution of a monitoring committee, reinforcement of environmental stewardship programme of NPCIL and clearances by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board. The conditions stipulated by MoE&F shall be adhered to.