Govt proposes to set up Atomic Parks

The government is planning to set up Atomic Parks in the country to enhance nuclear power capacity at a fast pace and in an economic manner, the Lok Sabha was informed on Wednesday. By setting up a larger number of units at each site, the government proposes to utilise the potential for new capacity addition at various sites, Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office Prithviraj Chavan said in a written reply.

He said the government has recently accorded 'in principle' approval and initial pre-project work at Rawatbhata, Kakrapara, Jaitapur and Kudankulam.

An arrangement between India and the US, that allows the American government to request end-use verification for selected dual-use items subject to US licensing requirements or prohibitions, has had a beneficial impact on the Indian industry, Minister of State for External Affairs Anand Sharma said.

More predictable and liberal licensing has led to expanded high-technology commerce between India and the US, he said.

Its efficient implementation has created confidence for the US to announce license exceptions for selected end-users this month, Sharma said.

The Government has launched an atomic energy based action plan to tackle the future drinking water problem by converting saline water of sea into potable water, Chavan said.