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Controversial Kaiga N-plant heads for completion

Sandesh Prabhudesai in Panaji

The Indian nuclear weapons project may be looking good, but the Kaiga nuclear power project in Karnataka is still to redeem itself.

For, in May 1994, the dome of the first reactor quietly collapsed during construction. Things have changed now and the second reactor will be completed by next April with power generation slated to begin by October.

According to V K Sharma, project director, the current sanctions by the US will affect the nuclear programme indirectly, affecting the purchase of some specialised material -- like the steel used, some electronic items, valve actuators, positioners, software etc needed for the project.

"But India will invent its own material used for nuclear power generation if the western countries stop imports under the guise of sanctions," he said.

It was actually sanctions by Canada that helped India independently construct the reactors in the Uttar Kannada forests. Although based on Canadian technology, the design and software used is fully indigenous now, he said.

Assuring an accident-free and non-hazardous nuclear power project, Sharma says the quality of construction at Kaiga project has even impressed foreign experts who recently visited the project.

There was shock when the inner part of the dome of the first reactor had collapsed four years ago during construction. After a probe by the Nuclear Power Corporation and the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, the design and construction of the domes were changed.

Sharma pointed out how the thickness of the domes had been increased from 344 mm to 470 mm, the quality of concrete raised from M 45 to M 60 grade, the tube diameter of the prestressed cables narrowed and how radial reinforcement has been introduced. "We have also taken the best possible safety measures to avoid radiation," he claimed.

The dome, costing roughly Rs 500,000, was cut upon and replaced at a cost of Rs 140 million. The two reactors, of 220 MW output each, will cost the NPC about Rs 22.75 billion. Power from the station will cost Rs 3.50 per unit.

Though the collapsed dome is nearing completion, it will be commissioned only after getting clearance from the regulatory authority.

The NPC also plans to build four more reactors of the same capacity in future. Only 53 hectares of the total 120 hectares of acquired land is being used now.

Though Sharma dismisses the possibility of any accident, the NPC has drawn up a contingency plan to evacuate the population with a 16-km radius in case of any mishap.

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