Sinha slams Bengal government over nuclear power

Criticising the West Bengal government for opposing the construction of nuclear power plant in the state, eminent physicist Bikash Sinha today said disallowing it was like moving toward "cow-dung economy".
"Disallowing nuclear power was like heading toward cow-dung economy," Homi Bhabha Chair Professor of the Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre, Bikash Sinha said.
He was speaking at the Energy Sustainability Conclave, 2013 organised by the Bengal Chamber.
"I fought for this plant for two decades. Now I feel I have lost the battle," Sinha said.
Power Minister Manish Gupta had yesterday reiterated that the state would not allow a nuclear power plant at Haripur in East Midnapur district.

The state government had made its stand clear back in August 2011 in the Assembly ruling out a nuclear plant at Haripur.

The scientist held that the state government had failed to understand the urgency for a nuclear plant as now there was hardly any demand for power because of absence of new industry.
"There is not much shortfall because there is no industry and no employment. But once there is demand what you will do?" he asked.
He pointed out that with five per cent growth in power demand the country could sustain with coal reserve for not more than 45 years.

The Centre had planned to set up a nuclear power park at Haripur out of six locations with capacity of even 10,000 MW each, in phases.
Sinha cited the experience of Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu where a nuclear power plant changed the livelihood of the local people and added that the state government should understand that there would be an increase in employment if a nuclear power plant came up.
"The fishermen at Haripur will have a better life. The West Bengal government should think progressively. Not allowing the plant is not helping local residents," he added.