MUMBAI: Keen to set up 9,900 MW nuclear power plant at Jaitapur, which is facing opposition from various quarters, the Maharashtra Government today said the proposed project site in Konkan region is the “safest” in the world.
“A day will come when coal (reserves) will end. Therefore, alternate sources of energy will have to be identified,” Minister of State for Power Rajendra Mulak said in the Legislative Council.
He was replying to discussion on a Bill to amend Mumbai Power Rates Act, which was passed in the Upper House.
Although nuclear power is a contentious issue from the safety point of view, the site of proposed power plant at Jaitapur is the “safest” as it is located 20 meters above sea level, the Minister maintained.
The multi-billion project, to be built in association with French nuclear engineering firm Areva, is facing opposition from Shiv Sena and various NGOs over environmental and geological issues.
On measures taken by the Government to increase power supply, Mulak said MahaGenco, state power utility’s generation arm, would undertake capacity building at Kaparkheda Thermal Power Station near Nagpur in 15-20 days.
“Synchronisation of thermal power plants will also be undertaken at Parli, Paras (Akola), Kardi, Bhusawal, among other places,” he added.