An attractive Resettlement & Rehabilitation (R&R) package is being worked out in consultation with the Gujarat government for Chhaya Mithi Virdi nuclear power plant in Bhavnagar district. Mr. V. Narayansamy, the union minister of state for personal, public grievances & Pensions and in the Prime Minister’s office informed rajya sabha today in response to a question from member Mr. Parimal Nathwani.

Government of India has accorded in principal approval for the site at Chhaya Mithi Virdi near Bhavanagar in Gujarat for setting up nuclear power plant of 6×1000 MW Light Water Reactors. The minister stated that these reactors would be set up in phases based on international cooperation. In the first phase, two reactors, each of 1000 MW are planned to be launched in XII plan period; he said.

Currently, pre-project activities comprising land acquisition process, Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) and site evaluation studies are in progress, the minister said and added that a section of the villagers were opposing acquisition of land, mainly on apprehensions of loss of livelihood, rehabilitation and nuclear power safety. The apprehensions about nuclear power, safety, radiation and other aspect were being addressed through structured public awareness campaigns comprising with the villagers, state officials and other stake holders, Mr. Narayansamy stated.

In response to another question from Mr. Nathwani about misconceptions on proposed Jaitapur nuclear power plant in Konkan, Maharashtra; the union minister admitted the prevailing apprehensions on safety of reactors, setting up of untested reactors, management of radioactive waste, impact of plant operation on ecology and bio-diversity, rehabilitation and livelihood etc.

He said the apprehensions were being addressed through sustained public awareness campaigns among various sections of the society which included school/collage students and faculty, vernacular press and media, state officials, local MLAs and MPs, members of NGOs, environment groups, project affected persons and members of public around the Jaitapur site. Till July 2011, 63 such awareness campaigns were conducted in Ratnagiri district, he said.

Minister also stated that Jaitapur site met all the criteria of nuclear power plants. The Site Selection Committee (SSC) of the Government recommended the site, offered by the state government, after thorough evaluation. Based on the recommendation of the SSC, Government of India approved Jaitapur site for the establishment of the nuclear power plant, he added.