Both the Centre and the State government are set to clear all hurdles for nuclear power project at Kovvada of Srikakulam district to overcome the power crisis in Andrha Pradesh, according to the officials of Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL).
The land acquisition process for the plant got delayed due to elections and change in the government.
Around Rs. 1 lakh crores are likely to be invested on the 10,000 MW Kovvada project. The Union government allocates 50 percent of power to Andhra Pradesh. Chandrababu Naidu’s government which has ambitious plans for the development of the State is likely to mount pressure on the government for early completion of the project.
. Though there is no fund crunch, officials are worried over delay in land acquisition process. The company needs around 1000 acres apart from the government land of 2000 acres. NPCIL promises to implement best rehabilitation package if locals are willing to surrender their lands for the project.
TDP leaders, who opposed the nuclear power project, have chosen to remain silent after the party came to power in the State. The Congress did not oppose the project as the nuclear plant got momentum during UPA’s regime.
“Modi Government is very keen on development and power is essential for implementing its plans. That is why we are hopeful that NPCIL project will take off very soon,” said a top executive of the NPCIL project.
The NPCIL officials are now in Hyderabad to have better coordination with AP officials over the land acquisition process in Ranasthalam mandal. The land has to be acquired from five villages. The officials are confident that there will not be any resistance from people since land losers will be offered the best package under the government’s new land policy.
