AEC chief briefs Union min Jitendra Singh on progress of ongoing Nuclear plants in country

Newly appointed secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) K N Vyas met Union minister Jitendra Singh on Tuesday and discussed ongoing construction of nuclear power plants in the country, an official statement said.

Vyas, who is also the chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC), took charge of one of the most strategic departments of the government last month after serving as the director of the prestigious Bhaba Atomic Research Centre (BARC).

The two discussed the current status of the upcoming nuclear plant in Gorakhpur.

Singh, the minister of state, Prime Minister's office, was informed that the work on the nuclear plant was in full progress and it may become functional in the next few years.

The DAE reports to the PMO.

The Union minister was also briefed about the efforts to explore possibility of setting up new atomic energy plants in other states. Last year, the Centre had approved setting up of 10 nuclear domestic reactors in the country.

In a fast developing country like India, Singh said, atomic energy in future will serve as a major source to fulfill the growing energy needs of the country.

Vyas updated Singh about the various ongoing projects in the DAE. He also discussed details of some of the important upcoming events and academic seminars relating to nuclear energy.