Question : RAWATBHATA ATOMIC POWER PLANT

(a) whether first unit of Rajasthan Atomic Power Scheme (RAPS), Rawatbhata, has not been producing power since October, 2004 ;

(b) if so, the reasons therefor;

(c) the time by which production is likely to start;

(d) the steps being taken by the Union Government to compensate Rajasthan for the loss of power due to the permanent closure of first unit ;

(e) whether the State Government has requested to increase the allotment for third to sixth unit of RAPS ;

(f) if so, the details thereof; and

(g) the steps being taken by the Union Government on the request of Rajasthan ?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE PRIME MINISTER`S OFFICE (SHRI PRITHVIRAJ CHAVAN)

(a) Yes, Sir.

(b) The Unit has been shut down for detailed techno-economic evaluation for its refurbishment.

(c) It is premature at this stage to fix any time frame for the commencement of operation of Rajasthan Atomic Power Station Unit-I as the detailed evaluation is still underway.

(d) The State of Rajasthan has an allocation form the Narora Atomic Power Station (NAPS) in addition to share from Rajasthan Atomic Power Station units 2 to 4.

(e) Yes, Sir.

(f) The State of Rajasthan has requested for allocation of an equivalent capacity of Rajasthan Atomic Power Station - 1, from units 3&4, a share of 85% of the balance capacity from units 3 & 4 and 85% of the capacity from units 5 & 6.

(g) the requirements of all the states in the Electricity region are considered by the Ministry of Power for appropriate allocation.