Green cover planned at nuclear power stations in Surat

To develop green belt near its nuclear power plants, NPCIL (Nuclear Power Corporation of India) is going to implement an environment stewardship programme (ESP), with the help of various NGOs. The module will also be followed at the Kakrapar atomic power station (KAPS), with the help of NGOs Nature Club and Prayas. The motto of the programme is to foster green cover surrounding the power plant and create awareness amongst people.

ESP will focus on the scientific study of bio-diversity, particularly avifauna (birds), within and around exclusion zones (EZs) of Indian nuclear power plants. This will be done to improve habitat and conservation in EZs. EZ is a 1.6-km radius area around the centre of a nuclear plant. At present, apart from erecting the structure for the nuclear power plant, the area is limited to tree plantation only. As EZ is a high security zone, little has been done so far to develop an eco-zone at the site.

"A large number of bird species have the made the EZ their home. NPCIL wants to multiply the flora and fauna in the area, to enhance its bio-diversity. Nature Club and Prayas have been imparted training and their work on the EZ is going to start soon," PK Dutta, director of Kakrapar atomic power station, said.
Dutta added that as a nuclear power station doesn't damage ecology, the ESP would prove successful. The programme also includes training local volunteers, conducting public awareness campaigns and improving the habitat in the EZ.

According to sources at Kakrapar, the EZ is a large portion of land, without any human settlement. The area is guarded by Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). As Kakrapar is located near a water body, the area provides the ambience of a sanctuary. Apart from Kakrapar, ESP would be carried out at all nuclear power stations across India.

At present, Kakrapar has a large butterfly garden set up in the EZ of the atomic power station. More than 2,500 plants of 63 different species have been planted in the garden, including flowering plants, nectar plants, host plants, creepers and others.

With over 10,000 birds visiting the EZ wetland at KAPS, NPCIL hopes to create a thriving bird sanctuary in the zone.