The 10,000 MW nuclear power plant that the NPCIL proposes to set up at Jaitapur, Maharashtra, with reactors from French company Areva, was on the agenda of the Union Environment Ministry's Expert Appraisal Committee meeting on Monday.
According to some members, the committee plans to recommend a conditional environmental clearance for the plant. However, it is not clear what the final decision of the committee will be. It is then up to the Ministry and its Minister Jairam Ramesh to take a final call on the clearance.
A go-ahead from the Ministry would have to be followed by clearance from the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board as well, according to Ministry officials.
The committee discussed aspects of air and water pollution, biodiversity conservation, waste disposal, water use, the impact on agricultural activities and fisheries in the area, and safety elements including design safeguards against the dangers of radioactivity, according to members.
The panel also considered the Environment Impact Assessment Report and the objections raised during a public hearing held near the site. Villagers and activists have been protesting the NPCIL's acquisition of their land for the plant.
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