"The Jaitapur project is in progress. Procedures have been followed in natural course...Discussions are on and it is a matter of time. There are issues regarding logistics, land acquisition, safety, among others. These are minor teething problems and nothing to be panicky about," the MoS for Atomic Energy and Space told reporters on the sidelines of his visit to BARC.
The project has been embroiled in controversies after local farmers, who will be losing their farm land as also the fishermen community for the loss of their livelihood, NGOs and ruling BJP's ally Shiv Sena have been opposing the project citing safety issues and rehabilitation of the project affected people (PAPs).
"Now we have to reassure the common man that it has been established there are no adverse effects (of radiation) from these projects on health. Jaitapur will be a landmark project. If there are apprehensions, they need to be clarified and addressed," Singh said.
The French firm Areva has entered into an early work contract with the Nuclear Power Corporation (NPCIL) to set up six European pressurised reactors (EPR) of 1,650 MW capacity each.
However, the project hasn't moved ahead due to united protests by the PAPs from the last five years. At the same time, NPCIL and Areva have failed to seal a commercial contract.