Surat: Lok Sabha MP from Surat, Mukesh Dalal, has proposed that the feasibility of setting up new nuclear power units at the Kakrapar Atomic Power Station be examined. He presented this suggestion during a meeting of the Consultative Committee for the Union Ministry of Power, held at the Kakrapar facility under the chairmanship of Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar.

Speaking at the meeting, Dalal highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s goal of making India a $30 trillion economy by 2047. He stated that to meet this vision, the country would require 4,562 terawatt-hours of electricity, nearly three times the current demand. He emphasized the urgent need to accelerate electricity generation from various sources, especially nuclear power.

Dalal pointed out that the Atomic Energy Act of 1962 is outdated and includes several provisions that hinder the sector’s growth. He urged that the Act be amended in line with present-day needs to enable faster development. He also noted that it currently takes around 13 years to plan and commission a nuclear power plant and called for streamlining approvals and inter-departmental processes.

The Surat MP further suggested enhancing the capacity of the existing four reactors at Kakrapar, which have a combined capacity of 1,840 MW. He proposed a feasibility study for setting up additional nuclear reactors at the same site, which would help increase power availability, attract new industries, and generate employment in Gujarat.

Dalal also advocated for a comprehensive water and land survey along Gujarat’s 1,600-kilometre coastline, particularly in the Narmada coastal belt, which has ample water resources. He said this would help identify suitable locations for future nuclear power projects, leveraging Gujarat’s infrastructure and development-oriented governance.

Emphasizing the importance of a forward-looking energy strategy, Dalal said Gujarat is well-positioned to lead India’s nuclear energy expansion. Union Minister Khattar acknowledged the inputs and assured that the central government would seriously consider the committee’s recommendations. DeshGujarat