India assures operational safety of nuclear plants

Nine reactors are under construction.

The Department of Atomic Energy has assured the public that India's nuclear power plants are safely maintained and pose no risk to nearby communities.

“There are no discrepancies in operational safety of nuclear power plants. The nuclear power plants are operated by highly trained personnel licensed by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Boar, in line with laid down procedures. These procedures are periodically reviewed and upgraded as required,” said Union Minister Jitendra Singh whilst replying to a question in Lok Sabha.

He also said that extensive epidemiological surveys have been conducted to ensure the well-being of those in close proximity. Furthermore, studies conducted have shown that the operation of nuclear power plants poses no adverse effects on the surrounding populations, he added.

Singh said there are currently nine nuclear power reactors with a total capacity of 7,300 megawatts (MW) under construction. There are already plans to add twelve more to boost India’s nuclear expansion strategy.

The union minister also said that a greenfield facility of Nuclear Fuel Complex is being set up at Rawatbhata, Kota, Rajasthan. This consists of a PHWR Fuel Fabrication Facility and Zircaloy Fabrication Facility that can produce 500 tonnes per year of fuel tubes.

India aims to triple its installed nuclear capacity from 8,180 MW to 22,480 MW by 2031-2032 to boost efforts towards achieving net zero by 2070.