New Delhi: Land acquisition has been completed and environmental clearance has been obtained for the upcoming atomic power plant at the Gorakhpur site in Haryana, the Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office and Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh, said in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
The Gorakhpur Nuclear Power Project comprises two twin units of 700 MW each viz. GHAVP-1 and 2 (2X700 MW) and GHAVP-3 and 4 (2X700MW).
In respect of GHAVP-1&2, the piles for nuclear buildings 1 and 2 have been cast and poised for concreting of the raft foundation. Construction works are underway in respect of other plant buildings, tunnels and trenches, water conveyance systems, warehouses, township buildings etc. Purchase orders for critical equipment and major packages have been placed and some major equipment have been received at the site. In respect of GHAVP-3 and 4, pre-project activities at the site and placement of orders for long-delivery equipment are underway.
The estimated completion date for phase one of the project -GHAVP 1 and 2 is 2029.
The details of sanctioned cost and expenditure are as follows:
During its peak construction time, around 8000 persons are estimated to be employed at GHAVP which follows a bell curve. Once operational, each of the twin unit stations is estimated to employ (both direct and indirect) around 2000 persons. Also, there is potential for employment of contractors/vendors from business opportunities that emerge consequent to an increase in economic activities at the site.
The Miniter stated that the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) a Public Sector Undertaking under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) pursues welfare activities under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in and around its nuclear power plants in four major areas of education including skill development; health and sanitation; infrastructure development and environmental sustainability in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013.
He said under the CSR programme at GHAVP, some of the key initiatives taken up are, support to meritorious students by way of an award of scholarship; pedagogical aids; providing sewing machines; construction of inter-connecting roads; construction of classrooms & labs; providing computers, water coolers, fans, furniture, lights, refrigerators, etc to schools; construction of toilets in schools and public places, including some Panchayats and mid-day meal shelters in the schools.
According to the Department of Atomic Energy, special efforts were also made, based on the need identified by the locals, for the construction of cow sheds and the renovation of Gaushalas. One of the important programmes was providing assistive devices to the differently abled persons in the area. More welfare works including providing equipment for the gymnasium in Gorakhpur State Stadium; construction of drinking water tanks; providing healthcare through medical camps, mobile clinics, etc. are identified under CSR at Gorakhpur.
– global bihari bureau
