Bihar urges Centre to expedite nuclear power plant project

Government of India has decided to reduce the capacity of proposed Nuclear Power Plant at Rajauli, Nawada by half. However, the state government still wants the power plant and has already earmarked more than 3,000 acres of land for this purpose and asked the central government to expedite the process.

"The state government has received a proposal from central government in 2008," Power Minister Vijendra Yadav told state assembly in reply of a short notice question on Friday, "in which New Delhi have asked us to provide adequate land and water for setting up a nuclear power plant in the state. The proposal was for setting up a 2,800 MW (700X4) power plant, but later the central government decided to set up only two units, which efficiently reduced project's proposed capacity by half."

He said, "However, we are still very much interested in this project. We still want to have a nuclear power plant in Bihar, it does not matter how many units they are setting up. It will open new avenues for the state and provide us with precious electricity, for which we are desperate."

Yadav stated, "We have already earmarked 3,150 acres of land for this project. The state has also given requisite clearances regarding use of Ganges water. We want them to begin work as soon as possible."

A team of experts has recently visited the proposed site. State government is now waiting to hear from them. "A team of experts has visited the area on 20th February.