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The Print
4 days ago
- Business
- The Print
Delayed again, why the ambitious Gorakhpur nuclear plant project in Haryana is yet to gather speed
Khattar told mediapersons Saturday that the 2,800-MW plant, comprising four 700-MW units, will be rolled out in two phases: 1,400 MW by 2031, and the remaining 1,400 MW by 2032. He attributed the delays to the sandy terrain and technical complexities, adding that nuclear power plants typically require 13 years to complete. This revised timeline marks a significant delay from the original target of 2020-21 and the more recent projection of 2028, highlighting the challenges plaguing this ambitious project. Gurugram: The completion of northern India and Haryana's first nuclear power plant, the Gorakhpur Haryana Anu Vidyut Pariyojana (GHAVP), has been pushed back again, with Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announcing that the first two of its four 700 megawatt units will now commence operations only in 2031. The announcement came during a visit by Khattar and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini to GHAVP, a flagship project of the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited, in Fatehabad district's Gorakhpur Saturday. 'Today in Fatehabad, Haryana, along with Hon'ble Chief Minister Shri @NayabSainiBJP, I reviewed the progress of North India's first nuclear power plant — the Gorakhpur Haryana Anu Vidyut Pariyojana (GHAVP),' Khattar posted on X following a meeting with senior NPCIL officials and a tour of the site. 'This ambitious project will not only meet the long-term energy needs of Haryana and North India, but will also strengthen India's commitment to clean and sustainable energy solutions,' he added, underscoring its alignment with India's net-zero emissions target by 2070. The project cost, initially estimated at Rs 23,502 crore in 2014, has now escalated to Rs 42,000 crore. Haryana will receive 50 percent of the generated electricity, with the central government taking the rest. Rs 80 crore is being allocated for development works in nearby villages. Also Read: Haryana govt cracks whip: 80 irrigation officials in soup over quality of concrete used in projects A project mired in challenges GHAVP, envisioned as a cornerstone of India's nuclear energy ambitions, has faced a litany of hurdles since its inception. As of May 2023, ground improvement work was 74 percent complete, with critical components, like end shields and steam generators already on site, according to a state government review that projected operations by June 2028. The latest delay pushes the timeline further, raising questions about the project's execution amidst India's pressing energy needs. Jivendra Kumar Jain, project director, and H.K. Nigotia, Chief Engineer (Civil) of the project, did not respond to ThePrint's phone calls. Parveen Jora, Fatehabad district BJP president, who accompanied Khattar and Saini on the inspection of the project site, told ThePrint Saturday that Khattar discussed in minute details the progress of the project and the challenges they were facing. 'The officers told Khattar that the civil work up to the plinth level is a major task, as it has to be given enough strength. However, the local soil, being sandy, posed challenges before the engineers. The officers also told Khattar that the civil work up to the plinth level is complete now, and the progress of the work will gather speed now,' said Jora. The concept of establishing a nuclear power plant in Gorakhpur village took shape in 1984, when the region fell under the Hisar district. Fatehabad emerged as a distinct district in July 1997, and Gorakhpur was deemed suitable for the project due to its low seismic activity and the feasibility of securing land through compensation. The central government gave its preliminary nod for the 2,800-MW nuclear facility in October 2009, prompting Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) to set up a project office in Hisar by April 2010. Acquiring land proved challenging. The government secured 1,313 acres from Gorakhpur and neighbouring Kajalheri villages, but faced strong resistance from local farmers. The 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan amplified these protests, drawing support from environmental activists and notable figures, like former Army Chief and Union Minister General (Retd) V. K. Singh—now the Governor of Mizoram—who raised concerns about safety and displacement. The agitation persisted until late 2012, when a compensation package of Rs 46 lakh per acre was offered, resolving the farmers' grievances. NPCIL purchased 186 acres in Badopal village in 2011 for a residential complex to house its staff and Central Industrial Security Force personnel. Local opposition, citing threats to the blackbuck habitat, forced NPCIL to scrap this plan in June 2018. Despite these obstacles, the project moved forward, with then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh laying the foundation stone on 13 January, 2014. (Edited by Sugita Katyal) Also Read: In Haryana, cops, lawyers & khaps unite to steer youth away from drugs, gangs & 'donkey routes'
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Union Minister Khattar reviews progress of Fatehabad nuclear power project
Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Saturday reviewed the progress of the nuclear power project being implemented by NPCIL under the Department of Atomic Energy in Haryana's Fatehabad district. Khattar, along with Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, visited the Gorakhpur Haryana Anu Vidyut Pariyojana (GHAVP) and reviewed the progress of North India's first nuclear power plant. Once completed, 50 per cent of the electricity generated will be allocated to Haryana. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 임플란트 최대 할인 지원해드려요 임플란터 더 알아보기 Undo Khattar appreciated the efforts of Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and reiterated the importance of nuclear power in achieving clean, safe, and reliable energy for the nation's future. Senior government officials were also present at the event. Live Events The project involves setting up 4x700 MWe Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) at a total project cost of Rs 41,594 crore. The commercial operation is expected to start by March 2031. "This ambitious project will not only meet the long-term energy needs of Haryana and North India but will also further strengthen India's commitment towards clean and sustainable energy solutions," Khattar said in a post on X in Hindi. The minister said projects like GHAVP will play a vital role in helping India achieve its net zero emission target by 2070. "This project is a visionary step towards making India a leader in the field of nuclear energy technology and ensuring energy self-sufficiency under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Khattar said. Speaking to the media later, Khattar said that unit one and two are now expected to be operational by 2031. "By 2031, two power units will become operational and in 2032, two more power plants will become operational. These four units will produce 2,800 MW power, out of which Haryana will get 50 per cent of the power and 50 per cent will go to the central pool so that it can be used wherever needed," Khattar said. Khattar said, "In January 2014, the project was given clearance. Generally, the time period given for setting up nuclear power plants is thirteen to thirteen-and-a-half years, but I was told that there have been some reasons for delay, which include technical and administrative reasons". Asked about his recent statement that the government is working on a framework to standardise the default temperatures of air conditioners in the range of 20 to 28 degrees Celsius. He said many feel consumers will benefit from the move and it will also result in power saving and uninterrupted and reliable power supply. Saving power is necessary. Last year's peak power demand was 250 gigawatt and we have touched 242 gigawatt till June 13. Meanwhile, Khattar was apprised by the officials of NPCIL's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Nearly Rs 80 crore has been spent on community development activities like the construction of roads, and schools, provision of medical vans, and development of an astro turf hockey ground, an official statement said. "Atom on Wheels" mobile exhibition van was highlighted as a key outreach initiative to educate and engage the public on nuclear energy and safety. Meanwhile, according to a Haryana government statement, Chief Minister Saini reviewed the progress of the ongoing construction works at the project site and directed the officers to complete all works as per the prescribed standards at the earliest. Saini emphasized that nuclear energy is a better source of power generation from an environmental point of view. According to the statement, in the review meeting, Jivendra Kumar Jain, Project Director of NPCIL, gave a detailed presentation about the project. The statement said that during the meeting Union Minister Khattar stated that this ambitious project will not only fulfill the long-term energy needs of Haryana but also benefit the entire northern region of the country. During the review meeting, the Union Minister received detailed information about the ongoing construction works and instructed officers to ensure timely completion in accordance with established safety standards. He emphasized the importance of raising public awareness about nuclear safety, so that there are no misconceptions among the general public. He directed officers to engage with residents in nearby areas and inform them about the safety measures in place. Highlighting the advantages of nuclear energy, Khattar said nuclear power plants are more cost-effective in the long-run and have minimal environmental impact compared to other energy sources. Khattar instructed the officials concerned that over 20,000 saplings be planted within the nuclear plant premises during the upcoming monsoon season to promote environmental sustainability. According to the statement, the Union Minister stated that all states have been urged to explore the feasibility of setting up nuclear plants and to ensure that at least one nuclear power plant is established wherever possible. He also emphasized the need to expand existing nuclear facilities to meet future energy demands. Khattar stressed that to achieve better outcomes; the construction of the Fatehabad project should be expedited. He added that any challenges encountered during the process should be promptly communicated to both the Central and State governments for resolution. After the meeting, Khattar and Saini visited the project site and inspected the ongoing construction work. The Chief Minister directed officers to not only focus on completing the current phase of construction but also to prepare a roadmap for the timely commencement and completion of the second phase of the project. On this occasion, Rajya Sabha MP Subhash Barala, Haryana Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi, Additional Chief Secretary, Power, Apoorav Kumar Singh, were also present. PTI
