Nuclear-power plant remains on paper

Inadequate water availability is proving a stumbling block in the way of setting up of Bihar's first nuclear power plant at Rajauli inNawada district.

According to Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) guidelines, at least 32,000 cubic metre water will be required per hour for running the proposed 4x700 MW plant. The water available at Phulwaria dam at Rajauli will fulfil only one third of the requirement, said an official.

Bihar State Electricity Board (BSEB) last month sent a letter to the NPCIL, requesting it to set up 4x450 MW or 2x700 MW power plant, instead of the earlier proposed 4x700 MW plant in view of the water problem. A response from the NPCIL is still awaited.

The water resources department (WRD) recently gave a commitment to provide a meagre 12,785 cubic metre water per hour from the nearby Phulwaria dam. The WRD had appointed a consultant for conducting a survey on the availability of water in the nearby rivers and reservoirs.

On the receipt of a go-ahead from the NPCIL, the state government will initiate the process of acquiring the land for the plant. The government has already identified 3,150 acres of land. However, some of the land owners have not consented for the land acquisition as they are totally dependent on their land.

BSEB had requested the Nawada DM to look into the matter and identify a suitable plot of land, which should be barren, undisputed and free from waterlogging.

A four-member expert team of the NPCIL had visited Nawada for the site selection in 2007. The team had made an on-the-spot assessment of the proposed site. NPCIL had even then raised doubts over the availability of adequate water required for the plant.

The total cost of the power plant is Rs 22,400 crore, and it would take four to five years to complete it.link