Nuclear islands: Kovvada mega nuclear power plant to take shape soon

Syed Akbar
Hyderabad:  The work on the proposed nuclear power plant at Kovvada in Srikakulam 
district has gained momentum with the Nuclear Power Corporation of India all set for a 
joint survey in the next few months. This will be followed by a detailed discussion on 
relief and rehabilitation package for displaced villagers.

“We will come out with a detailed report on Kovvada power plant in about six to eight 
weeks,” said Dr SK Jain, chairman and managing director of Nuclear Power Corporation of 
India Limited.

He told reporters that the outreach programme of NPCIL in the last few 
months had paid rich dividends and now there are no apprehensions about safety of nuclear 
power plants. “The plant will help in inclusive growth of the region. Schools, colleges, 
hospitals, drinking water projects and other infrastructure would be provided for the 
benefit of the fishermen community. This will bring about a quality change in their 
lives. The fish population has dwindled and our welfare schemes will help them,” Dr Jain 
pointed out.

Referring to Thummalapalle uranium mine in Kadapa district, Dr Sreekumar Benerjee, 
chairman of Atomic Energy Commission said it would be operational in about a month’s 
time. “The Atomic Minerals Directorate has already identified 69,000 tonnes of uranium, 
most of which is in Thummalapalle. The target is to identify 75,000 tonnes during the 
12th five-year plan. The mine at Thummalapalle is based on modern technology,” he said.

Once Thummalapalle becomes operational, the country will have three uranium mills 
including two at Jaduguda.