Patna: A high-level meeting held in Patna on Friday has accelerated Bihar’s plans to establish a nuclear power plant, with officials focusing on ensuring reliable water availability and developing supporting infrastructure. The meeting, chaired by energy secretary and chairman-cum-managing director of Bihar State Power Holding Company Limited Manoj Kumar Singh at Vidyut Bhawan, brought together senior representatives from central power agencies and state departments.
Officials from the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited and NTPC, along with Bihar State Power Generation Company Limited (BSPGCL) and the state’s water resources department, reviewed proposals to secure a year-round water supply for the proposed facility. Participants agreed that a comprehensive plan covering water sources and infrastructure would be prepared as a key step in advancing the project.
BSPGCL has already conducted inspections of potential sites and held consultations with water resources authorities, particularly departments dealing with flood control, drainage and irrigation. Additional options are under evaluation at the departmental level, reflecting the state government’s effort to identify technically viable and environmentally sustainable solutions.
Singh said the state would extend full support to the project, emphasising that an assured water supply and a suitable site were critical to safe nuclear power generation. He added that the government aims to expand Bihar’s energy capacity through a model that balances development with environmental safeguards.
Surveys of potential locations have been completed in parts of Banka district, including Shambhuganj and Bhitiya, while preliminary assessments have been conducted in Rajauli in Nawada district and areas of Siwan district. Teams from NPCIL and NTPC presented an overview of site prospects during the meeting, with geo-assessment and preliminary survey work in Siwan continuing.
