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Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that India’s nuclear energy journey, pioneered by Dr. Homi Bhabha, was
often met with skepticism, both domestically and internationally, due to restrictive global policies and
misplaced concerns over nuclear proliferation. However, he noted that under Prime Minister Narendra
Modi’s leadership since 2014, India has witnessed a paradigm shift, with greater acceptance of its
nuclear energy program as a key component of clean and sustainable power generation. He pointed out
that unlike in the past, the announcement of a 100 GW nuclear target has not faced any negative
implications, reflecting India’s growing credibility in the global nuclear community and the recognition of
its responsible and transparent approach to nuclear energy development.

Dr. Jitendra Singh also underscored the need for a nationwide awareness campaign to address public
concerns regarding nuclear energy. “A much more vigorous and sustained public outreach program is
necessary to dispel fears and highlight nuclear power as a safe and clean energy source,” he said, urging
collaboration among government agencies, private players, and environmental groups.

With a roadmap now being formulated in consultation with stakeholders, the Minister affirmed that
while challenges exist, achieving the 100 GW target by 2047 is both ambitious and achievable.

North India's first Nuclear project coming up in Haryana in a small town called Gorakhpur

North India's first Nuclear project is coming up in Haryana in a small town called Gorakhpur. This was
revealed by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh while reaffirming the government’s commitment to the
Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project, calling it a critical step toward India’s clean energy future.

Responding to concerns raised in the Lok Sabha, Dr. Jitendra Singh clarified that environmental
clearance for the project is under renewal and that necessary safeguards are in place to address
ecological and safety concerns.

Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that the government remains confident in the safety of the project
despite objections from conservation groups and concerns about its location in a seismic zone. He stated
that concerns about risks to marine life and local livelihoods have been raised repeatedly, and every
time, the government has "tried to allay all these apprehensions that there is no such risk to the marine
life, the fisheries, or the people living around, there are ample number of evidence-based studies to
prove that." He further clarified that the environmental clearance had expired in December 2022 due to
procedural delays, not because of any new environmental objections. “If there were very serious
environmental hazards or any apprehension or evidence, then we would not have got the environment
clearance even earlier,” he explained.

Tracing the project’s timeline, the Minister explained that while initial approvals were given in 2008,
delays occurred due to shifts in agreements with French stakeholders. With technical agreements now
finalized, discussions are ongoing to settle commercial terms with the French side. The Jaitapur plant,
once operational, will house six nuclear reactors, each with a capacity of 1,730 MW, totaling 10,380 MW
accounting for 10% of India’s 100 GW nuclear energy target by 2047.

Addressing concerns about nuclear liability, Dr. Jitendra Singh stated that India’s Civil Liability for
Nuclear Damage (CLND) framework provides clear safeguards. The primary responsibility rests with the

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