Porvorim: Union Minister for Power, Housing and Urban Affairs on Monday said that the central government has suggested states consider the feasibility of nuclear power generation in their respective areas.
Talking to reporters after attending a review meeting in the presence of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Union Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy Shripad Naik, Goa Power Minister Sudin Dhavalikar, and Urban Development Minister Vishwajit Rane, Khattar said that the possibility of setting up a nuclear power plant in Goa was also discussed during the meeting.
“Right now, we are generating eight gigawatts of nuclear power. Our aim is to generate 100 gigawatts of nuclear power by 2047,” Khattar told reporters.
When asked about Goa, he said that the state does not have thermal, hydro, or solar power plants.
“We are of the opinion that wherever there is a possibility of a nuclear power plant, it should be considered,” he said, adding, “In the future, if Goa puts up a proposal for a nuclear power plant, then it would be considered positively.”
Speaking about the review meeting, Khattar said that the achievements and issues of the power and urban development departments were discussed.
“I would like to congratulate CM Pramod Sawant as Goa is performing better than the rest of the states in these sectors,” the Union Minister said.
Khattar said that Goa has 24×7 power supply. “But at the same time, we need to consider the demand of the future,” he said.
The Union Minister said that his ministry is considering financing ₹652 crore for uninterrupted water supply to the state.
Khattar also said that the Centre will assist in the purchase of 50 electric buses for Goa. “Under Swachh Bharat Mission, we will be funding ₹113 crore to set up Sewerage Treatment Plants at three places in Goa,” he said.
Talking to reporters, Chief Minister Sawant said that Khattar guided the state on matters of power, urban development, and the sewerage sector during the meeting.
“We are already receiving good support from the Narendra Modi-led government,” he commented.
Sawant said that various proposals were discussed during the meeting.
He said that the implementation of PM Awas Yojana in the state was also discussed.
