Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding India’s nuclear energy sector while ensuring stringent safety protocols and private sector participation. Addressing the Lok Sabha, he highlighted the unprecedented growth in nuclear reactor installations and energy generation over the past decade. 

Dr. Singh noted Rajasthan’s key role in the nuclear sector, housing seven of India’s 25 operational reactors, including a revived non-functional unit that has boosted the state’s nuclear output. He also announced the establishment of a new reactor in Gorakhnagar, Haryana, expanding nuclear infrastructure beyond Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. 

The Minister emphasised the 2017 Union Cabinet decision, which granted bulk approval for 10 new reactors, a first in India’s history. The latest Union Budget has reinforced this growth with a dedicated nuclear mission, increasing the Department of Atomic Energy’s budget from Rs 138. 79 billion in 2014 to Rs 374.83 billion in 2025, marking a 170% increase. 

Highlighting the shift towards private sector involvement, he stated that the Prime Minister's vision allows private participation, ensuring faster development and reduced dependence on public funds. As a result, nuclear power generation capacity has risen from 22,480 MW in 2014 to 35,333 MW, while installed capacity has nearly doubled from 4,780 MW to 8,880 MW. 

Dr. Singh assured Parliament that India follows a "safety first, production next" approach, with regular monitoring every three months during construction, biannual checks during operation, and comprehensive five-year reviews. He cited a Tata Memorial study, confirming that radiation-related health concerns around nuclear plants remain below national averages. Radiation levels in nuclear plants have also declined significantly over the years. 

Addressing nuclear waste management, he clarified that each plant stores waste on-site for 5-7 years before moving it to 'Away From Reactor' (AFR) facilities for long-term storage and reuse. He dismissed concerns about Kudankulam and Kalpakkam as central waste repositories, stating that each facility manages its own waste. Radiation levels at Kudankulam have reduced from 0.081 micro-sieverts in 2014 to 0.002%, while Kalpakkam’s levels have dropped from 23.140 micro-sieverts to 15.96 micro-sieverts. 

Regarding uranium exploration in Rajasthan, he acknowledged pending environmental clearances, assuring that once secured, the state will significantly contribute to India’s uranium reserves. Updates on Madhya Pradesh’s nuclear projects include the Chutka Nuclear Project, which has completed environmental clearances and land acquisition, with resettlement challenges under discussion. Meanwhile, the Shivpuri project awaits final water supply arrangements, with ongoing discussions for further expansion into the Khandwa region. 

Dr. Jitendra Singh reaffirmed the government's vision for a robust, safe, and self-sufficient nuclear sector, emphasising its role in clean energy expansion, private sector participation, and technological self-reliance. 

(PIB)