Nuclear reactor in AP: YSR scores a political point over rivals

By Syed Akbar
Hyderabad, Aug 10: Chief Minister YS Rajasekhar Reddy has scored a
political point over his rivals when he mooted the idea of a nuclear
power reactor in native Pulivendula in Kadapa district.

Though there have been proposals for a nuclear power plant in the
State in the last three decades, things did not much further as those in
power then did not evince keen interest. Moreover, there was a strong
opposition from political parties and environment activists. The chief
ministers then preferred to play a safe game by consigning the
proposals to dust bin.

But Rajasekhar Reddy, basking in the glory of recent victory in
Assembly elections, reopened the files and directed officials of
APGenco to study the feasibility of a nuclear reactor either at Kovvada
in Srikakulam or at Pulivendula. The Nuclear Power Corporation of
India Limited has already gave a green signal for the Kovvada site.
Since Rajasekhar Reddy is keen on the location of the reactor at
Pulivendula, NPCIL conducted a fresh study in Kadapa district.
Besides Pulivendula, the team inspected three other locations in the
district.

The Central government may not find it hard to fund the nuclear reactor
at Pulivendula since the State government has offered to bear half of
the total cost of the project. Once completed, it will generate 2000 mw
of power, 25 per cent of the present installed capacity in the State.

The Chief Minister may have the things going easy for him since a
nuclear mine and mill is already coming up near Pulivendula and the
uranium thus mined can be used for the proposed nuclear reactor.