Jharkhand plea for setting up of nuclear power plant

The Jharkhand government today made a strong plea before the Centre for setting up a nuclear power plant in the state in view of availability of uranium there.

It also requested the Centre to include three more districts including state capital Ranchi in the list of left-wing extremism affected areas, saying they are "equally critically" affected by Naxalism compared to 11 districts which have already been identified as such.

"Power has an important role to play in the economic development of the state....In view of the available resources of uranium in Jharkhand, we request setting up of a nuclear power plant in the state," Governor M O H Farook said at the National Development Council meeting here. Jharkhand is now under President's Rule.

Rajiv Gandhi Gramin Vidyutikaran Yojna (RGGVY), a Centrally-sponsored scheme for rural electrification, was not serving its desired goal of uplifting of rural economy, the Governor said.
    
"Under the scheme, only low power transformers are being provided and three phase lines are not permitted to be laid. No rural industry or irrigation system can work on single phase line and low capacity distribution transformers," he said suggesting that RGGVY scheme design requires a relook.
    
Farook said the state was experiencing great difficulties in inter-state and intra-state power transmission in the absence of adequate transmission network and suggested that a Central sector scheme be provided in the 11th Plan for its improvement.
    
"Jharkhand seeks Prime Minister's indulgence for one time grant of Rs 1000 crore for improving its transmission network as we are not able to allocate adequate resources to undertake this work," he added. ral Agricultural University in the state.