(a) whether the work of under construction atomic energy plants is running behind schedule;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
(c) the steps taken to ensure the completion of the work in time;
(d) whether the Government is facing opposition from the local people at these places; and
(e) if so, the details thereof and the action taken/being taken by the Government in this
regard?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS AND PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE
(SHRI V. NARAYANASAMY)
(a)&(b) At present seven nuclear power units are under construction and commissioned in the
country. The work on Kakrapar Atomic Power Project (KAPP) Units 3&4 (2x700 MW) at Kakrapar,
Gujarat and Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (RAPP) Units 7&8 (2x700 MW) at Rawatbhata, Rajasthan
was started [First Pour of concrete (FPC) - the Zero date of a project] in November 2010 and
July 2011, respectively. The gestation period of 2x700 MW nuclear power projects is five and
half years for the first unit and six years for the second unit from FPC. KAPP Units 3&4 and
RAPP Units 7&8 are scheduled to be completed in the year 2016-17. Construction of another
project Kudankulam Nuclear Power project (KKNPP) Unit 1&2 (2x1000 MW), at Kudankulam in Tamil
Nadu has been completed. While Unit-1 has already been connected to the grid and is generating
infirm power. Unit-2 is under commissioning. The original approved criticality date of 500 MW
Prototype fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR), first of its kind in India and being constructed at
Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu, was September 2010. The criticality date was later revised to
September 2014. The FBR technology is a new technology, different from pressurised heavy
water reactors. The materials, specifications and dimensions of equipment are unique and
have never been experienced by Indian industries in the past. Slippage in delivery of various
critical components resulted in shifting of the erection & commissioning activities.
(c) A multipronged approach has been adopted to ensure that the projects are completed and
commissioned well within the scheduled time frame. To monitor the progress of the projects, a
system of multi-tier review, monitoring and control mechanism has been instituted.
(d) There is no opposition at Rawatbhata and Kakrapar sites. The opposition at the
Kudankulam site is presently sporadic and confined to a few pockets in the neighbourhood.
Some opposition from local people was also faced at PFBR site at Kalpakkam.
(e) Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) & Bhartiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam
Limited (BHAVINI) have scaled up their outreach programmes manifold, adopting a multi-pronged
approach, with focus on the local communities. These efforts included distribution of single
sheets in simple local language addressing each of the issues concerning the local people,
showcasing short films in local languages in theatres, short films on TV, radio jingles,
arranging visits of groups of local people to nuclear power plants, holding exhibitions,
briefing local press and media and addressing community leaders and people’s representatives.
Massive neighbourhood development activities have been initiated in the areas of education,
infrastructure development, health care and self-employment. Direct and indirect employment
was provided to large number of people in and around the project site.