Latest news with #Khattar


The Hindu
15 hours ago
- Business
- The Hindu
CM requests Union Govt. to sanction permissions for Hyderabad Metro Phase-II at the earliest
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has requested the Union Urban Affairs Ministry to sanction permissions for the Hyderabad Metro Rail Phase-II at the earliest. The Chief Minister made the request to Union Urban Development Minister Manoharlal Khattar on Thursday. Mr. Revanth Reddy, who is on a visit to New Delhi, called on Mr. Khattar at his residence this afternoon. He briefed the Union Minister about the rapid development witnessed in Greater Hyderabad and said operationalisation of Metro rail phase-II spanning 76.4 km was of utmost importance for further accelerating it. The State Government had accordingly decided to take up the second phase of the project as a joint venture with the Central Government with an estimated ₹24,269 crore. He said putting in place Metro phase-II project would reduce traffic congestion and ensure faster travel thereby, contributing to sustained development of the city. The State Government had submitted revised detailed project report pertaining to the metro phase-II incorporating the suggestions made by the Union Urban Development Ministry and requested Mr. Khattar to extend his cooperation in securing speedy permissions from the Ministries concerned.


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
5 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Khattar reviews progress of Hry atomic power project, emphasises clean energy development
1 2 Chandigarh: Manohar Lal Khattar , the Union minister for power and housing and urban affairs, along with chief minister Nayab Singh Saini, visited the Haryana Atomic Power Project located in Gorakhpur, Fatehabad, on Saturday. Khattar said the project would meet the long-term energy needs not only of Haryana but also of north India. During the visit, the two reviewed the progress of ongoing construction works and instructed the officials concerned to complete these as per the set standards at the earliest. Khattar emphasised that nuclear energy was an environmentally favourable means of energy production. NPCIL project director Jivendra Kumar Jain, through a presentation, provided information about the department of atomic energy and the NPCIL's work. He also elaborated on the increase in nuclear energy production, the construction of the Gorakhpur Nuclear Power Plant, CSR, and awareness programmes. The former CM said the project would not only fulfil the long-term energy needs of Haryana and north India but also strengthen the commitment to clean and sustainable energy solutions. During the review meeting, the Union minister obtained detailed information about the ongoing construction works and instructed officials to complete the work on time in accordance with safety standards. He emphasised the importance of raising awareness among the public to eliminate any doubts regarding nuclear safety and suggested informing nearby communities about nuclear safety. Khattar instructed officials to prioritise visionary development works by coordinating with administrative officials and public representatives for better utilisation of the CSR funds. He also said nuclear power plants were cost-effective in the long run compared to others and have minimal pollution issues. He also announced plans to plant over 20,000 trees in the nuclear plant complex during the upcoming monsoon season. All states have been urged to ensure establishing at least one nuclear power plant and expanding existing plants. Rajya Sabha MP Subhash Barala, chief secretary Anurag Rastogi, additional chief secretary (Power) Apoorva Kumar Singh, CEA member Ajay Talegaonkar, HRPA director Suresh Babu, project director N K Mitharwal, Sanjeev Kumar Singla, H K Nagotia, and other dignitaries and officials were also present. MSID:: 121849549 413 | Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .


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


Hindustan Times
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Indus Water Treaty suspension: Centre to revive Tulbul hydel project, says Khattar
Union power minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Thursday said the Centre will revive the Tulbul project on the Wular Lake in Jammu and Kashmir as it no longer needs Pakistan's consent after the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) was put in abeyance. The minister also said India will 'definitely' work on new hydro-electric projects in the wake of the suspension of the IWT with Pakistan following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. 'Before, whenever we had to undertake some work, we had to discuss that with them (Pakistan) and could not do anything without their consent. There was a project (Tulbul) under Wular Lake which was conceived in 1981 but they did not consent and it was shelved. Now, when there is no need (for consent), we will restart the project and a detailed project report (DPR) will be prepared soon,' Khattar said in Srinagar. He was addressing a press conference on the completion of 11 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre. Asked if the government would start working on new hydro-electric projects following the suspension of the IWT, he said, 'Yes, definitely. Whatever they have to do, let them do that. We have given them a response and if they do anything again, they will get a response on the same pattern.' The Tulbul project, which envisaged constructing a 439-ft-long and 40-ft-wide barrage with a storage capacity of 0.3 million-acre-feet (MAF) below the Wular Lake near Ningli in north Kashmir's Bandipora district to stabilise Jhelum's water level, was abandoned midway in 1987 after strong objections from Pakistan. In talks with Centre on resumption of projects: Omar J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah said discussions were being held with the Centre on the resumption of development projects that were halted due to the Indus Water Treaty. With the treaty in abeyance, Omar said there are two projects -- one in Kashmir and the other in Jammu -- on which work can begin soon. 'After the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, we have two projects on which work can start soon, one is in Kashmir and the other is in Jammu. Now, talks are going on with the central government regarding both the projects,' Omar said when asked whether the government will take advantage of the IWT being in abeyance. The CM was talking to reporters after a meeting with Khattar at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) here. At a review meeting, Omar said it was related to centrally sponsored projects and schemes under the ministry of power and the ministry of housing and urban affairs -- both departments that he handles. 'Overall, progress in both areas has been fairly satisfactory. We also discussed areas where we have expectations from the Centre. In some places, there were minor shortcomings, and we have received suggestions on how to correct them. We will implement those,' he said. To a question on the power department facing losses, the chief minister said it is still in debt because there is a difference in the price at which the government purchases and supplies power. 'We are supplying power to everyone on a concession basis. Be it a domestic consumer or commercial consumer or industrial consumer, everyone takes power at concession rates. But it will get better gradually,' he said.