The safety and performance of nuclear power plants are continuously reviewed internally by NPCIL and periodically by the regulatory authority, AERB. In addition to this operating experience both domestic and international along with evolving global standards are taken into consideration for ensuring project safety. Necessary upgrades in design, systems, practices, procedures and workforce training & licensing are then implemented in the existing plants and new designs evolved incorporating such enhanced features. This is an ongoing exercise.

Availability of suitable sites, difficulties in land acquisition and related R&R, obtaining statutory clearances, addressing local issues, apprehensions about nuclear safety, limited number of suppliers and large capital requirements are among the major challenges in scaling up nuclear power capacity.

NPCIL is working closely in coordination with state governments to address issues related to land acquisition and R&R. A structured public awareness programme is being implemented to spread awareness and address apprehensions. The SHANTI Act has been enacted to enable larger participation and encouraging investments in nuclear power sector.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions and Prime Minister’s Office Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

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