Kovvada Nuclear Power Park (KNPP)-Stop Land Acquisition

Site Clearance of AERB- Prerequisite 

 

Many Members of Expert Appraisal Committee of MOEF&CC for Nuclear Projects, in its 17 th Meeting held on 06-05-2014, expressed that according Environmental Clearance (EC) without statutory “Site Clearance” from Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) has no meaning. If the proposed site is not found suitable by AERB and the proponent has to change the site and EC will be no more valid. Taking into account the susceptibility of the Coastal Area to Super Cyclones and Tsunamis, as highlighted by SSC-2005, the proposed Kovvada NPP Site needs to be cleared by AERB from safety point of view, even before the Land Acquisition is initiated.

NPCIL priority is for Land Grab & not for Safety of People?

The Site Selection Committee appointed in 2005 (SSC-2005) which identified “Kovvada NPP Site, clearly stated that the Site lies in the Seismic Zone-II and the area is susceptible to cyclonic storms. And recommended detailed Seismic Tectonic Study including Sea Area around the site and detailed study to derive design basis flood level, considering both Cyclonic Storm as well as Tsunami at the approval /detailed stage. And Pune-based Seismologist Arun Bapat, warned that the Site identified at Kovvada for Nuclear Plant is unsuitable from the safety point of view. 

 

But unfortunately, NPCIL had failed to get the recommended studies carried out and preparing statuary Site Evaluation Report (SER) for getting “Site Clearance” from AERB on safety considerations, even after a lapse of more than 5 years since getting In-Principle Approval on 8 th October 2009.But NPCIL is going ahead with the acquisition of land required for KNPP in collaboration with AP State Govt., with blatant indifference to public safety.

Land Acquisition Makes Clearances Fate-accomplice?

The consent from AERB on safety angle is to be considered mandatory, before acquisition of the land for the proposed NPP is initiated, so as to avoid / minimize likely disastrous consequences which may arise in the case of disaster induced due to wrong siting / unsuitability of the site. Otherwise, there is every danger of justifying / manipulating the Clearances of AERB in the light of expenditure incurred / investments made and making them a mere formality & mockery.

The very fact that AERB is part of Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) , its regulatory independence is questionable. Therefore the International Atomic Energy Agency ( IAEA ) has recommended regulatory independence to AERB by Law. The Bill introduced by earlier UPA Govt. in the Lok Sabha to grant regulatory independence to the AERB following the Fukushima Nuclear Disaster in Japan, has since lapsed and needs to be introduced again.

Conclusion 

 

In the light of the position explained above, AP State Govt. be urged to keep the on going Land Acquisition for proposed KNPP in abeyance, upholding the democratic process and respecting the public sentiments. 

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