In the background of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, nuclear reactors have become a heated topic of discussion. Unaffected by the panic created by the nuclear radiation hazard that threatened Japan, India is likely to go ahead with its nuclear plans. Nuclear Power Corporation (NPCIL), the country’s sole nuclear utility, has approached a leading public sector lender for Rs. 16,600 crore loan to finance its projects in Rajasthan and Gujarat.
The expansion plan at the reactors of Rawatbhata in Rajasthan and Kakrapar in Gujarat intends to put up two 700 mw at each location. About Rs 23,700 crore would be required to complete these projects. Unlike a personal loan, this industrial loan is a huge amount. NPCIL is currently using indigenously built 700mw pressurized heavy water reactors for its projects.
Anyways, the accidents at the Japan have alerted the Indian Nuclear sector to make sure of the safety and protection measures at the nuclear plants. There has been checking into the existing safety devices and safety measures. Thorough checking has been done and the safety measures have been enhanced to accommodate the deficiencies which were present in the Japanese Nuclear Plants.