Parliament of India Rajya Sabha

REPORT NO. 322

PARLIAMENT OF INDIA RAJYA SABHA

DEPARTMENT-RELATED PARLIAMENTARY STANDING COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, ENVIRONMENT & FORESTS

THREE HUNDRED TWENTY SECOND REPORT

ACTION TAKEN BY THE DEPARTMENT ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS/ OBSERVATIONS CONTAINED IN THE THREE HUNDRED FOURTEENTH REPORT OF THE DEPARTMENT-RELATED PARLIAMENTARY STANDING COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, ENVIRONMENT & FORESTS ON THE DEMANDS FOR GRANTS (2018-2019) OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY

nd (Presented to the Rajya Sabha on 2 January, 2019) (Laid on the Table of Lok Sabha on 2nd January, 2019)

Rajya Sabha Secretariat, New Delhi January, 2019/ Pausa, 1940 (Saka)

Website: http://rajyasabha.nic.in Email: [email protected]

PARLIAMENT OF INDIA

RAJYA SABHA

DEPARTMENT-RELATED PARLIAMENTARY STANDING COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, ENVIRONMENT & FORESTS

nd (Presented to the Rajya Sabha on 2 January, 2019) (Laid on the Table of Lok Sabha on 2nd January, 2019)

Rajya Sabha Secretariat, New Delhi January, 2019/ Pausa, 1940 (Saka)

CO N T E N T S

PAGES

1. COMPOSITION OF THE COMMITTEE (i)-(ii)

2. INTRODUCTION (iii)

3. ACRONYMS (iv)

4. REPORT

Chapter I. Recommendations/Observations which have been accepted by the Department

Chapter II. Recommendations/Observations which the Committee does not desire to pursue in view of the Department’s replies

Chapter III. Recommendations/Observations in respect of which replies of the Department have not been accepted by the Committee

Chapter IV. Recommendations/Observations in respect of which Final Replies of the Department are still awaited

*5. FURTHER RECOMMENDATIONS/ OBSERVATIONS OF THE COMMITTEE - AT A GLANCE

*6. MINUTES

*To be appended at Printing Stage COMPOSITION OF THE COMMITTEE (2018-19) (Constituted on 1st September, 2018)

1. Shri Anand Sharma –– Chairman

RAJYA SABHA

2. Shri Prasanna Acharya 3. Shri S.R. Balasubramoniyan 4. Shri Anil Baluni 5. Shri Rajkumar Dhoot 6. Shri Hishey Lachungpa

7. Dr. Raghunath Mohapatra 8. Shri Parimal Nathwani 9. Shri Sharad Pawar

10. Dr. T. Subbarami Reddy

LOK SABHA 11. Maulana Badruddin Ajmal 12. Shri Muzaffar Hussain Baig 13. Shri E.T. Mohammed Basheer 14. Shri Prabhatsinh Pratapsinh Chauhan 15. Kumari Sushmita Dev 16. Shri Ninong Ering 17. Shri Laxman Giluwa 18. Dr. K. Gopal 19. Shri Sunil Kumar Jakhar 20. Shri Ramesh Chander Kaushik 21. Shrimati Vasanthi M. 22. Shri Daddan Mishra 23. Shri Chirag Paswan 24. Shri Shivaji Adhalrao Patil 25. Shri Hari Narayan Rajbhar 26. Shrimati Sandhya Roy 27. Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh 28. Shri Vikram Usendi 29. Shri Prabhubhai Nagarbhai Vasava #30. Vacant #31. Vacant SECRETARIAT 1. Shrimati Sunita Sekaran, Joint Secretary 2. Shri T. N. Pandey, Director 3. Shri S. Rangarajan, Additional Director 4. Shri Mohd. Salamuddin, Additional Director 5. Shri Rajiv Saxena, Under Secretary 6. Shri Shubham Bose, Assistant Research Officer

# Shri Raghu Sharma and Shri Nagendra Singh ceased to be members of the Committee consequent upon their resignation from the Lok Sabha w.e.f. 21st December, 2018.

INTRODUCTION

I, the Chairman of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Environment and Forests, having been authorised by the Committee to present the Report on its behalf, present this Three Hundred Twenty- second Report on Action Taken by the Department of Atomic Energy on the recommendations/observations contained in the Three Hundred and Fourteenth Report of the Committee on Demands for Grants (2018-19) of the Department of Atomic Energy, which was presented/laid in both the Houses of Parliament on 13th March, 2018. 2. There were 29 recommendations/observations in the Three Hundred and Fourteenth Report of the Committee. Action Taken Notes on the recommendations/observations of the Committee were received from the Department on 4th June, 2018. 3 In the meeting held on the 27th December, 2018, the Committee considered the draft Report and adopted the same.

New Delhi; ANAND SHARMA 27th December, 2018 Chairman, Pausa 6,1940 (Saka) Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Environment and Forests, Rajya Sabha.

(iii)

ACRONYMS

AERB Atomic Energy Regulatory Board BARC Bhabha Atomic Research Centre BCKV Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswa Vidyalaya BHAVINI Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited BRNS Board of Research in Nuclear Sciences CAAA Comptroller of Aid Accounts and Audit DAE Department of Atomic Energy DO Demi Official EAC Expert Appraisal Committee FBOs Food Business Operator FRFCF Fast Reactor Fuel Cycle Facility FSSAI Food Safety and Standards Authority of India GSO General Services Organisation ICAL Magnetised Iron Calorimeter ICAR Indian Council of Agricultural Research IERB Internal & Extra Budgetary Resources IGCAR Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research IICHEP Inter Institutional Centre for High Energy Physics INO India-Based Neutrino Observatory IREL Indian Rare Earths Limited JGKV Indira Gandhi Krishi Viswa Vidyalaya JNKVV Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Viswa Vidyalaya KVKs Krishi Vigyan Kendras MAPS Madras Atomic Power Station MoEFCC Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change MPMMLH Mahamana Pandit Madan mohan Malaviya Cancer Hospital MTPD Metric Tonnes Per Day NPCIL Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited NRCL National Research Centre on Litchi NSC National Seed Corporation PFBR Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor PHWR Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor R&D Research and Development RE Revised Estimates RRCAT Raja Ramanna Centre of Advance Technology SHRI Sludge Hygienisation Research Initiative SSP Secondary Sodium Pump TCS Tata Consultancy Services TIFR Tata Institute of Fundamental Research VR Virtual Reality

REPORT

The Action Taken Report (ATR) of the Committee deals with the action taken by the Department of Atomic Energy on the recommendations/observations contained in Three Hundred Fourteenth Report of the Committee on 'Demands for Grants (2018-2019) of the 'Department of Atomic Energy'. The Report was presented to Rajya Sabha and laid on the Table of Lok Sabha on the 13th March, 2018. 2. Action Taken Note (ATN) has been received from the Department of Atomic Energy in respect of all the twenty nine recommendations/observations contained in the Three Hundred Fourteenth Report. This has been categorized as follows:- Chapter I: Recommendations/Observations which have been accepted by the Government: Para:- 3.7, 6.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.12, 7.13, 8.6, 8.7, 10.5, 10.6, 10.9, 11.9, 11.10, 11.13, 11.15, 12.8, 13.9, 13.11, 14.5, 15.3, 16.6, 17.7, 17.8, 18.11, 18.12, 18.13 and 19 (Total – 27). Chapter II: Recommendations/Observations which the Committee does not desire to pursue in view of the Government’s replies: Para:- 13.10 and 15.6 (Total – 2). The Committee is convinced with the replies furnished by the Ministry and, therefore, does not want to pursue above-mentioned recommendations further. Chapter III: Recommendations/Observations in respect of which replies of the Government have not been accepted by the Committee: Para:- Nil Chapter IV: Recommendations/Observations in respect of which final replies of the Government are still awaited: Para:- Nil 3. The details of the ATR have been discussed in the respective Chapters in the succeeding pages.

CHAPTER-I RECOMMENDATIONS/OBSERVATIONS WHICH HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED BY THE GOVERNMENT MAJOR PROGRAMMES Recommendation/Observation 1.1 The Committee notes with satisfaction that in the last sixty four years of its existence, the Department of Atomic Energy has mastered a host of highly complex technologies particularly in the field of R&D, medical radiology, nuclear agriculture, desalination, food irradiation, radio astronomy, supercomputing, particle accelerators, plasma and cryogenics. True to the visions of Dr. Homi J. Bhabha and Jawaharlal Nehru of envisaging the usage of atomic energy to make a difference to the social life of Indians, the DAE should now strive to scale it up and take it to the next level. The Committee feels that the share of nuclear power which is hovering around only three percent of India's total electricity generation, needs to be increased to higher proportions and earnest efforts should be made in that direction. (Para 3.7)

Action Taken 1.2 The share of nuclear power has remained around 3% of the total electricity generation since its inception in 1969, thus keeping pace with the growth of total generation in the country. 1.3 The share of nuclear power in total electricity generation depends on the generation by nuclear power units and that by other technologies. This is largely dependent on the installed capacities of the nuclear and other technologies. 1.4 The share of nuclear power is proposed to be progressively increased by installing more nuclear power capacity in the country. Presently, nuclear installed capacity in the country is 6780 MW and 6700 MW capacity is under construction (including PFBR of 500 MW, being implemented by BHAVINI). The total nuclear installed capacity will reach 13480 MW with the progressive completion of the under construction projects by 2024. In addition, the Government has accorded administrative approval and financial sanction for 12 new reactors with a total capacity of 9000 MW. The present nuclear power capacity is expected to increase to 22480 MW by 2031 on progressive completion of these projects. More nuclear power projects are also planned in future. FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE IN THE LAST THREE YEARS Recommendation/Observation 1.5 The Committee observes that on the whole, financial performance of the Department has been satisfactory. The Committee finds that the Department has been able to utilise more than 95% of allocated RE funds, in the years 2015-16 and 2016-17. However, the Committee feels that there is still some scope for improvement. The Committee, therefore, recommends the Department to make a firm resolve and intensify its efforts to ensure that maximum utilisation of resources is ensured. (Para 6.3) Action Taken 1.6 Apart from monitoring at Unit level /Department level, monitoring of the Scheme at micro level has been introduced. The micro level monitoring is likely to increase the capacity of utilisation of the allocation. This has enabled nearly 98% utilisation of the overall budget for the year 2017-18. Detailed expenditure incurred during 2017-18 is given below : Sl. Actuals No. Description BE 2017-18 RE 2017-18 2017-18 Total Total Total

Establishment Expenditure of the Centre 1 Secretariat 49.65 55.91 50.30

2 Atomic Energy Regulatory Board 60.38 72.79 72.37

3 Bhabha Atomic Research Centre 1977.03 2327.45 2327.44 Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic 4 Research 396.60 485.00 454.92 Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced 5 Technology 254.84 295.21 309.99

6 Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre 102.44 120.40 120.52

Atomic Minerals Directorate for 7 Exploration and Research 266.89 313.30 307.97 8 Fuel Cycle Facility 464.60 511.80 532.92 9 Service Units 344.57 423.76 414.58 Board of Radiation and Isotope 10 Technology 79.26 85.81 83.08

11 Management Services Group 0.58 0.66 0.67 12 Nuclear Fuel Complex 1982.37 2300.34 2431.69

13 Heavy Water Production Facility 1180.18 1044.74 1075.75

Central Sector Schemes/ Projects R and D Basic Science and 14 Engineering 1033.32 833.11 835.69

R and D for Fast Reactor Science 15 and Technology 295.37 227.00 270.98

Advanced Technologies for Laser, 16 Synchrotron and Accelerator 153.53 152.53 153.71

17 R and D in Exploration and Mining 123.90 87.06 103.42

18 Grants to other organisation (BRNS) 163.84 118.56 133.33

19 Backend Fuel Cycle Projects 539.00 350.00 343.74 20 Housing Projects 220.15 136.26 144.25 Neighbourhood Development 21 Project (in Kudankulm) 21.00 130.00 130.00 22 Heavy Water Board 46.20 35.50 37.14 23 Feedstock 1174.00 1223.18 1130.00

24 Heavy Water Pool Management 1285.00 1355.00 1355.00

25 Radiation and isotopes Project 124.50 55.15 55.64 26 Nuclear Power Projects 75.90 56.90 56.12 27 Nuclear Fuel Projects 156.95 156.95 144.14

28 AERB Expansion Project 27.23 9.00 15.43 Advanced Technology for 29 Accelerator 77.50 71.30 44.83 30 DAE R and D Projects 321.14 157.69 159.89 31 DAE I and M Projects 73.89 55.00 54.00

32 Fuel Cycle Projects FRFCF 420.00 420.00 420.37 33 Nuclear Fuel Inventory 3281.26 3000.26 2180.60

Other Sector Expenditure 34 Autonomous Bodies 2179.38 1997.81 2213.99

Public Sector Undertaking

Nuclear Power Corporation of India 35 Limited 370.00 1435.00 1435.00 Uranium Corporation of India 36 Limited 200.00 439.00 439.00 Bharatiya Nabhikaya Vidyut Nigam 37 Limited 50.00 0.00 0.00 Others

Contribution to International Atomic 38 Energy 43.98 43.98 24.55 19616.44 20583.41 20063.02

UTILISATION OF THE APPROVED OUTLAY IN 2017-18 Recommendation/Observation 1.7 The Committee takes serious note of less disbursement of financial allocation in Industries & Minerals and R&D Sectors against the projected amount and the adverse effect that reduced allocation is having on crucial programmes of the Department such as Industries & Minerals Sector programmes and leading research Institutions like Indira Gandhi Centre for Research & Development and Tata Memorial Cancer Centre. (Para 7.4)

1.8 The Committee, therefore, is of the opinion that the well thought out programmes and proposed demands of a crucial Department such as the Department of Atomic Energy should not face drastic cuts in funds allocation. Similarly, reduction of funds to leading R&D units like IGCAR and Cancer hospitals, delays the endeavour of these institutions in achieving their main objective of harnessing atoms for the societal benefit. The Committee recommends that in order to enable the Department to achieve its targets in the field of Nuclear energy, appropriate budgetary allocations should be made keeping in view the fact that Nuclear Energy is a highly capital intensive sector. The Committee also recommends that in future the Ministry of Finance should consider national security and R&D needs while finalising allocation for the Department. (Para 7.5) Action Taken 1.9 The recommendation of the Committee has been brought to the notice of Ministry of Finance for their kind consideration by DAE vides D.O. Letter date 28.3.2018. In response to this, Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance has considered the recommendation of the Committee and conveyed the same to Joint Secretary, Budget Division, Department of Economic Affairs, New Delhi for taking further necessary action. Recommendation/Observation 1.10 On the overall analysis, the Committee finds that though expenditure by the Department in Establishment Expenditure and Central Sector Scheme is satisfactory but there is a considerable scope for improvement in the Public Sector Undertakings and Contribution to IAEA scheme because actual utilisation of funds in these schemes is merely 58% and less than 1% only by January, 2018. The Committee, therefore, is of the considered view that Department needs to improve its fund utilisation. (Para 7.12)

Action Taken 1.11 The fund allocated for Public Sector Undertakings has been fully utilised by the Department for the year 2017-18. 1.12 It is submitted that Assessment letter from International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for contributions was received in the Department in January, 2018. Accordingly proposal was submitted to Member for Finance, AEC in January, 2018 and concurrence for the same was received in March, 2018. Thereafter, an amount of Euro 2, 136,682 and US$ 316741 towards Regular Budget and Euro 607,365 towards Technology Cooperation Fund were released on 8.3.2018. 1.13 The funds could hence be released only after receipt of Assessment letter from IAEA. 1.14 Accordingly, the allocations to Contribution to IAEA reduced at FR Stage and same the Department has utilised almost 94% of funds towards contribution to IAEA. Recommendation/Observation 1.15 The Committee also recommends that while Department of Atomic Energy should ensure full utilisation of allocated budgetary resources, Ministry of Finance should also adequately accommodate the demands of DAE to obviate adverse effect on activities of the Department in core sectors due to shortage of funds. (Para 7.13)

Action Taken 1.16 Apart from monitoring at Unit level /Department level, monitoring of the Scheme at micro level has been introduced. The micro level monitoring is likely to increase the capacity of utilisation of the allocation. This has enabled nearly 98% utilisation of the overall budget for the year 2017-18. Further, Ministry of Finance vide their I.D. Note dated 13.4.2018 has emphasized on providing sufficient budgetary allocation to DAE to obviate adverse effect on activities of the Department in core sectors due to shortage of funds.

BUDGETARY ALLOCATION IN 2018-19 Recommendation/Observation 1.17 The Committee takes serious note of the financial constraints being faced by the Department since last year and the adverse effect that reduced allocation would have on Industrial, Research & Development activities and important aided institutions such as Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital which are spearheading India's Cancer Research Programme. (Para 8.6) 1.18 Keeping in view, the adverse consequences it will have on the Research & Development and health sectors, the Committee feels that the Department's demand of fund should be adequately accommodated by the Ministry of Finance at RE stage 2018-19. (Para 8.7) Action Taken 1.19 The recommendation of the Committee has been brought to the notice of Ministry of Finance for their kind consideration by DAE vide D.O. Letter date 28.3.2018. In response to this, Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance vide their I.D. Note dated 13.4.2018 has considered the recommendation of the Committee and conveyed the same to Joint Secretary, Budget Division, Department of Economic Affairs, New Delhi for taking further necessary action. RAJA RAMANNA CENTRE FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY (RRCAT) – INDORE Recommendation/Observation 1.20 The Committee commends the role of Raja Ramanna Centre of Advanced Technology in development of Indus Cyclotron Facility Radiation Source Facility, hand-held video microscope, Raman Spectroscopy technique for urea adulteration detection in packaged milk samples and laser additive manufacturing system. (Para 10.5)

1.21 The Committee also takes note of the progress made in making electron linac at Agricultural Radiation Processing facility at Indore operational and expects that Agriculture Radiation Processing Facility will be operational by March, 2018. The Committee hopes that the RRCAT will continue to do excellent work for the overall progress and well being of the people of the country. (Para10.6) Action Taken 1.22 The recommendation of the Honourable Committee is noted. Recommendation/Observation 1.23 The Committee while taking note of financial performance of the RRCAT recommends that RRCAT should be allocated adequate resources so that its contribution to socially useful applications and the frontier science experiments can be further scaled up. (Para 10.9) Action Taken 1.23 The recommendation of the Honourable Committee is noted.

BHABHA ATOMIC RESEARCH CENTRE (BARC) Recommendation/Observation 1.24 The Committee is glad to note that Bhabha Atomic Research Centre through its NISARGRUNA technology and Sludge Hygienisation Research Initiative (SHRI) is helping in solving the problem of urban waste. The Committee feels that these technologies can prove to be a boon for cities which are grappling with the ever rising problem of municipal waste.(Para 11.9) 1.25 The Committee also notes that the many municipal corporations are keen to take up these technologies. The Committee hopes that more and more Municipal Corporations and State Governments will take advantage of these technologies to make India clean and green. The Committee recommends that to achieve this goal, DAE should also try to popularise these technologies by demonstrating the merits of the technology. In this manner, the Department can contribute to Government of India's flagship initiatives of smart cities and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan as well. (Para 11.10)

Action Taken 1.26 Department of atomic energy and BARC in particular has been showcasing technologies at various outreach programs and meetings. Technologies are transferred to private entrepreneurs for commercial deployment of technologies, which provides publicity in various part of country. Nisargruna Technology: 1.27 The Nisargruna technology was first implemented in 2002 at Anushaktinagar, Mumbai. Subsequently several small and medium entrepreneurs have purchased the technology and installing Nisargruna plants in many states of India. A smaller capacity plant of 20-500 kg/day capacity has been designed in metal modular structure. It requires less space and has become popular in housing societies, educational campuses and office complexes. Nisargruna design was adapted for processing slaughterhouse waste, a plant of capacity 15 Metric Tonnes Per Day (MTPD) was commissioned in 2017 at Deonar, Mumbai. A 10 MTPD capacity plant is under construction in Chennai and discussions are underway to make a plant at Parbani, Maharashtra. 1.28 Builders and corporate houses are also adopting the technology. M/s SSM Builders, Chennai are developing township with 3MTPD for in-house processing of wet waste and M/s Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has installed Nisargruna plants at four of its campuses to make premises zero waste facility. TCS, Chennai campus considered as largest campus has 3MTPD plant which generates electricity using the technology & bio-generator. Table-1 gives details and status of various Nisargruna plants under construction in the country. Sludge Hygienisation: 1.29 Municipal Corporations of Ahmedabad, Indore, Surat and Ludhiana have shown interest in the technology. More municipalities are expected to take advantage after the first facility at Ahmedabad becomes fully operational. 1.30 MoU was also signed with Indore Municipal Corporation for setting up of dry Sludge Hygienisation facility. Site clearance was obtained from AERB, civil design has been completed and tender specifications are being prepared. Recommendation/Observation 1.31 The Committee commends the role played by BARC in food irradiation technology. This technology developed by BARC known as Trombay crop varieties needs to be popularised in the States where they are currently not cultivated. In this context, the Committee appreciates development of new crop varieties of rice, cowpea, groundnut and black gram and commissioning of Litchi Preservation Plant at Muzaffarpur, Bihar in 2017-18. The Committee recommends that the Department should take its technologies to the people through actively engaging with State Governments and other Central Ministries/Departments. (Para 11.13)

Action Taken 1. Food Irradiation: 1.32 Currently 15 irradiation plants are functional in the country. Recent research & development has resulted in harmonization of food irradiation rules with the international regulation through adaptation of class-wise clearance of irradiated food items by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for large 1.33 Scale deployment of the food irradiation technology. 1.34 Annually, about 20,000MT of food and allied products are being irradiated in the country. These include agricultural produce such as onion, potato, mango, grains and other products such as onion powder, garlic powder, spices, ayurvedic products, animal feed etc. 2. Nuclear Agriculture: 1.35 Subsequent to release and notification of Trombay varieties, in order to provide quality seeds to farming community BARC along with state agriculture universities has undertaken breeder seed production as per the demand from state agriculture departments, National Seed Corporation (NSC) and others. Breeder seeds of these varieties were supplied to NSC, state seed corporations, state agriculture universities, ICAR institutes, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), NGOs, seed companies and farmers. Large-scale field demonstrations (Minikits) of these varieties were conducted as per the allocation by the Department of Agriculture Cooperation & Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. BARC has regularly supplied seed to KVKs for demonstration on farmers’ fields. Field demonstrations were also conducted near nuclear installations to realize the benefits of Trombay varieties. BARC also participates in Kisan melas, outreach programmes, exhibitions etc., to popularize the Trombay varieties. 3. Irradiation technologies developed at BARC are taken to the people through various initiatives. i) BARC outreach activities are being regularly arranged at various institutions, these include exhibitions at parliament complex, agriculture exhibitions, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) institutions and agriculture universities. Some of the agriculture universities are JNKVV Jabalpur, IGKV Raipur, BCKV West Bengal, ICAR-NRCL on Litchi, Muzaffarpur and Assam Agriculture University. ii) Exhibition of irradiated food products is regularly conducted in various government sponsored activities, conferences as well as in academic institutions. Information brochure pertaining to food irradiation is distributed at these events to the participants, that include entrepreneurs, academicians, farmers, journalists etc. iii) Annually around 2500 visitors are invited to BARC on various occasions. These visitors comprise wide spectrum of society such as high ranking government officials, State Science council officials, Military officers, NGOs, Food business operators (FBOs), High school & University students, journalists and common people. Information on technologies is shared with them during the visits. Often, irradiated food items are offered to them for their feedback. Food preservation Technologies developed at BARC are displayed in BARC website. Table-1: Nisargruna Plants under construction Place Capacity Status Oulgaret Municipality 1 MTPD x2 Civil Construction completed. & Karaikal Ready for commissioning. Municipality, Pondicherry.

Rajiv Gandhi Medical 1 MTPD Civil Construction completed. College, Pondicherry Ready for commissioning. Kalyan Dombivli 10 MTPD x 5 2 Projects already operational and 3 Municipality projects are at different stages of completion. Chennai slaughter 10 MTPD 70% Civil Construction completed. house Ordinance factory 1 MTPD Ready for commissioning Bhandara SSM Builders, Chennai 3 MTPD Ready for commissioning SLBS, Jodhpur 250 Kg/day Ready for commissioning

Government Veterinary 500 Kg/day Commissioned this week College, Guwahati Port Blair Municipality, 1 MTPD 60% Civil Construction completed. Andaman Mahad Municipality 5 MTPD Civil Construction completed. Ready for commissioning.

Recommendation/Observation 1.36 The Committee feels that prestigious Centre like BARC devoted to the cause of peaceful nuclear research and capable of making the country proud of its achievements, fully deserves all necessary assistance from the Department. The Committee, therefore, recommends that the Department of Atomic Energy must render all the help to BARC. It also recommends that efforts should be made to grant expeditious sanction for the advanced research facilities so that BARC could be able to excel further in pursuit of its objectives. (Para 11.15) Action Taken 1.37 The recommendation of the Honourable Committee is noted. INDUSTRIES & MINERALS SECTOR Recommendation/Observation 1.38 The Committee finds that Internal & Extra Budgetary Resources generation (IEBR) by Indian Rare Earths Limited is somewhat fluctuating. The Committee notes the hurdles faced by the IREL at Manavalakurichi Plant and recommends that the Department should proactively take up the issue of Coastal Regulation Zone clearance with Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and try to sort it out at the earliest. The Committee hopes that with operationalisation of Manavalakurichi Plant in Tamil Nadu, Indian Rare Earths Limited will be able to increase the production of Rare Earth Minerals and increase generation of IEBR also. (Para 12.8) Action Taken 1.39 After continuous persuasion by the Department and IREL, the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC), MOEFCC took up the case of IREL for hearing in their meeting held on 26.2.2018. After detailed deliberations, EAC, MOEFCC recommended the proposals of IREL for environment clearance. The minutes of the said meeting are already hosted in the website and IREL is awaiting final order. 1.40 On receipt of Environment Clearance, IREL will have to approach the State Government for issue of transport permit after which plant operations of MK unit will be restored, thereby resulting in higher generation of IEBR. INDIA- BASED NEUTRINO OBSERVATORY PROJECT Recommendation/Observation 1.41 In such a grim scenario, the Department needs to allay the apprehensions in the mind of the people against nuclear energy projects through effective campaign. Merely, organizing exhibitions, conducting seminars and producing some video films to cater to only a few lakhs of people would not have the desired impact. If at all, there are some genuine concerns of the people as projected in the media from time to time against INO, Theni or in Jaitapur, Maharashtra or Meghalaya, the Department must proactively dispel those fears by explaining to people in their vernacular languages as to why their apprehensions are unfounded, that these projects are in national interest and that utmost care has been taken to safeguard the interests of the public. The Department also needs to push uranium mining projects so that India's dependence on imported nuclear fuel is reduced. (Para 13.9)

Action Taken 1.42 NPCIL is implementing a structured public outreach programme adopting a multipronged approach for various sections of the society to spread awareness and address the apprehensions of the people about nuclear power and allay their fears in a simple, understandable and credible manner. 1.43 In this context, the efforts made include distribution of single sheets in simple local language addressing each of the issues concerning the local people, showcasing short films in local languages in theatres, short films on TV, radio jingles, arranging visits to nuclear power plants, holding exhibitions, briefing local press and media, addressing community leaders & people’s representatives, doctors and paramedical staff, school and college students and faculty and addressing other innovative approaches like mobile exhibitions, street plays etc. 1.44 Permanent capacities are also being created across the country. Apart from “Halls of Nuclear Power”–large permanent exhibitions set up at Mumbai, Chennai and Delhi, similar Information Centres are being set up at nuclear power plant sites. In addition, miniature nuclear galleries are being established at district / state science centres across the country. Working models of nuclear power reactors with commentary are also being installed in various science centres to enhance the outreach. 1.45 At Jaitapur, Information centres have been set up at Ratnagiri and Jaitapur site where the visitors are explained about nuclear power and the project in local language. A total 387 meetings have been conducted with various land owners, fishermen’s, local peoples, public representatives, school & college students, teachers, state authorities, print & electronic media, etc. This included an address to the members of Maharashtra Legislature by the former Chairman of Atomic Energy Commission, Dr. Anil Kakodkar. An Exhibition on Wheels – a mobile exhibition was taken to villages around the site to address the apprehensions and spread awareness. 1.46 Further, Public Outreach Programmes are being undertaken from following different media modes.

1. Inclusion of digital/broadcast media 1.47 Remodelled public outreach programme to strengthen the traditional model of public awareness of exhibitions and seminar that has a limited reach and effect. In order to have more effective and result-oriented public outreach, newer media options, both conventional broadcast and digital/social media, with fresh communication content have been engaged. Due emphasis is given to public engagement on such platforms; social media channels are being progressively engaged for impact analyses. Messages in local/vernacular language are also being developed to increase the reach among local audience. A summary is given below: - Short advertisement films developed with Prasar Bharati and DAVP - Facebook page dae.connect and Twitter handle @DAEIndia launched - Messages on uranium mining activities have been (and continue to be) published - Messages on activates related to INO are being developed 2. Multilingual campaign on TV broadcast media 1.48 Carried out campaign of short advertisement films over National and Regional Language channels of Doordarshan network. Bilingual films campaign was broadcast on Lok Sabha Television (LSTV) channel during the Winter 2017 and Budget 2018 Sessions of the Parliament. A quantitative summary is given below: - 6 bilingual short films of 30/40 s duration developed in Hindi and English - 7 regional languages: Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Marathi, Bengali, Punjabi and Odia - Highlighted thrust areas of DAE products and technologies: Nuclear Power, Healthcare, Food & Agriculture and Water Purification 3. Propagation of science and technology through Social Media 1.49 Up-to-date dissemination of information connected to the Department, its Units and Institutions, products, and services is maintained over the social media channels of DAE. Messages and queries received on the social media channels are monitored and responded to on a daily basis. A quantitative summary of social media activities of the last 6 months is given below: - 12,50,000+ impressions made on social media - 7,60,000+ unique people reached 4. In-house content development 1.50 Developed multimedia content for use with a variety of media to improve and augmented Department’s visibility of information connected to the Department. Such contents are developed in-house and are used on web-based media including websites, social- and collaborative-media, and print media along with new and creative media. Virtual Reality (VR) based content is also being developed. 5. Regional language content on INO, Theni 1.51 Content in local language with general readership orientation to allay the unfound fears about the INO project continue to be developed by the working groups from TIFR and other Institute of DAE engaged with the upcoming INO project. For example, the following web pages present the information in FAQ form in multiple languages: - http://www.ino.tifr.res.in/outreach/tamil/ - http://www.ino.tifr.res.in/outreach/tamil/docs/facts_about_ino-%20TamilPoster.pdf - http://www.ino.tifr.res.in/outreach/english/docs/inobenefits.pdf - http://www.ino.tifr.res.in/outreach/english/docs/what_INO_Is_not.pdf 1.52 DAE Units in Tamil Nadu, like IGCAR, MAPS, GSO etc. are being asked to give wide publicity of such information on their websites and also using other outreach methods. Public awareness groups at such Units also being tasked to organise ground events at village/talluka levels to disseminate the information in lucid FAQ based formats.

Recommendation/Observation 1.53 The Committee takes note of the hindrances faced and efforts made by the Department in setting up of India-based Neutrino Observatory at Pottipuram, Theni and infrastructure development at Inter Institutional Centre for High Energy Physics, Madurai. The Committee is of the view that the Department should once again try to get environmental clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change and convince the local people. (Para 13.11) Action Taken 1.54 The 85 ton, 4mx4m, 10 layer mini-ICAL detector is getting ready at the rented premises of IICHEP, Madurai. It is expected to see the first muon tracks by the 10th of May, 2018. This will also serve the purpose of outreach as it is planned to bring villagers from the Pottipuram site to see for themselves a smaller version of the detector that will be placed underground. 1.55 The Environmental Clearance has been obtained on the 26th March, 2018. The application for Wildlife Clearance, made on 3rd Jan. 2018, is being followed with the Forest Dept. in Tamil Nadu. Tamil speaking INO staff will visit the Pottipuram village on 3-4 May and talk to the residents to understand their concerns on a first hand basis. More visits are planned. Once schools and colleges commence, a strong outreach is planned for students and teachers (starting in June). Easy to understand material on INO is being prepared in Tamil. Interaction with press and TV channels has begun but will be done more systematically at Madurai and Theni. TATA MEMORIAL CENTRE (TMC) Recommendation/Observation 1.56 While taking note of changes introduced by Ministry of Finance in financial management of Autonomous Institutions, the Committee is of the view that reduction of funds for leading institutions like Tata Memorial Centre, which are doing great work in cancer research, delays the endeavour of these institutions in achieving their main objective of harnessing nuclear research for the benefit of the society. Keeping in view the outstanding service that the Tata Memorial Centre has been doing, the class of competency it has demonstrated in cancer research and upcoming cancer hospitals it is setting up, the Committee strongly recommends that the Tata Memorial Centre should be adequately funded at RE stage allocation 2018-19 to tide over shortage of funds and any kind of reduction in outlay in next year should be avoided. (Para 14.5) Action Taken 1.57 The recommendation of the Committee has been brought to the notice of Ministry of Finance for their kind consideration by DAE vide D.O. Letter date 28.3.2018. In response to this, Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance vide their I.D. Note dated 13.4.2018 has considered the recommendation of the Committee and conveyed the same to Joint Secretary, Budget Division, Department of Economic Affairs, New Delhi for taking further necessary action. SETTING UP OF NEW CANCER HOSPITALS Recommendation/Observation 1.58 The Committee notes the progress made in construction of Cancer hospitals in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh and Mohali, Punjab. The Committee hopes that these Hospitals will be operationalised as per the schedule. The Committee also recommends that adequate budgetary provisions should be made for construction of these Hospitals. (Para 15.3) Action Taken 1.59 The status report about progress made in construction of hospital is given below : 1.60 Construction of 100 bedded cancer Hospital at Vizag 1.61 This is Establishment of “100 Bedded Cancer Hospital” with a built up area of 38000Sqm (About 4 lakh sft) in 77.12 Acres of land at Visakhapatnam. The Sanctioned Amount is Rs.400.93 crores.

Statutory Approvals obtained:

1. Conversion of Zone from “General industrial Zone” to “Institutional Zone” has been obtained from Visakhapatnam Urban Development Authority” (VUDA). 2. Clearance obtained from “State Level Environmental impact Assessment Authority(SEIAA)”. 3. Clearance obtained from “AP pollution Control Board”. 4. Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC) has accorded “Development permission for construction”. 5. Approval for Site layout of Medical installations obtained from “Atomic Energy Regulatory Board ( AERB)” 6. Provisional NOC obtained from “FIRE Department”

1.62 Composite contract for construction awarded in May, 2014 has been retendered and awarded in July, 2015 as the previous contractor could not meet contract stipulation. 1.63 The construction of complex is expected to be completed by end March, 2019. Progress report on Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital in Punjab 1.64 Tata Memorial Centre has embarked on strengthening Cancer Care facility in Punjab as part of the mandate given by the Government. The strategy is to have a referral state of the art facility at Mullanpur on the outskirts of Chandigarh and a scaled down facility at Sangrur. The two facilities to be created complement each other and bring cancer care closer to the community in the state of Punjab. POWER SECTOR Recommendation/Observation 1.65 The Committee takes note of the future plan of the Department for capacity addition which reveals that ten indigenous reactors in fleet mode and two Light Water reactors with Russian collaboration will be set up in future which will increase India's total installed capacity to 22480 MW by year 2031. In this regard, the Committee is of the view that the Department must expedite the pace of construction of nuclear reactors and accelerate the speed of the average construction time taken. The Committee recommends that the Department should make a firm resolve, mobilise its resources and intensify its efforts to ensure that all proposed nuclear projects are completed and commissioned within the scheduled deadline. (Para 16.6)

Action Taken 1.66 For ensuring expeditious completion of the projects under construction, constant monitoring of progress of project activities at multiple levels, timely identification of constraints & making necessary mid-course corrections, frequent meetings with vendors / contractors and re-sequencing of construction activities to the extent possible, are taken up to ensure timely completion of the projects. 1.67 In respect of new projects accorded sanction, the ten PHWRs are being implemented in fleet mode, thereby facilitating procurement activities, manufacturing and implementation of these units. Pre-project activities at the site and procurement of long manufacturing cycle equipment, human resource planning have been taken up. These projects are also being monitored regularly at multiple levels. 1.68 NPCIL notes the recommendation and will strive to ensure completion of nuclear power projects on schedule. 1.69 The recommendation of the Honourable Committee is noted. Owning to the unforeseen technical issues pertaining to design & manufacture of the components of 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR), which are first of a kind (FOAK), unexpected slippages in time schedule are taking place. However, BHAVINI is fully committed to adhere to the time schedule and spare no effort to complete the project by June, 2018. NUCLEAR POWER CORPORATION OF INDIA LIMITED Recommendation/Observation 1.70 It is clear that NPCIL was facing shortage of funds therefore; it is not able to make repayment to Comptroller of Aid Accounts and Audit (CAAA), Ministry of Finance. The Committee takes note of reduction in provision for Russian credit to Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited and adverse impact that reduced allocation will have on Nuclear Power schemes. (Para 17.7) 1.71 In this regard, the Committee is of the view that important programmes such as power generation of NPCIL are the backbone of Nuclear Power programme of India and hence, critical component such as provision towards repayment of Russian credit must not be made to suffer for want of funds. The Committee, therefore, recommends that Ministry of Finance should adequately accommodate the demand of the Department of Atomic energy to obviate adverse effects on core activities for want of funds. (Para 17.8)

Action Taken 1.72 The recommendation of the Committee has been brought to the notice of Ministry of Finance for their kind consideration by DAE vide D.O. Letter date 28.3.2018. In response to this, Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance vide their I.D. Note dated 13.4.2018 has considered the recommendation of the Committee and conveyed the same to Joint Secretary, Budget Division, Department of Economic Affairs, New Delhi for taking further necessary action. BHARATIYA NABHIKIYA VIDYUT NIGAM LTD. (BHAVINI) Recommendation/Observation 1.73 The Committee is of the view that Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor Technology has an important role to play in ensuring energy security of the country. The Committee opines that if India has to successfully realise the three stage Nuclear Energy Programme and thereby tap huge thorium reserves of the country, the Department has to leave no stone unturned for expediting the commissioning and ramp up the capacity of Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor. (Para 18.11)

Action Taken 1.74 The recommendation of the Honourable Committee is noted. Recommendation/Observation 1.75 The Committee is constrained to observe that trend of shifting commissioning target of PFBR is not new. As per the original schedule, the project was to be commissioned in September, 2010 which was later rescheduled on several occasions and the new target set in June, 2018. In this context, the Committee would like to reiterate the recommendation made in para no. 24.12 of 299th Report on Demands for Grants 2017-18 of the Department. (Para 18.12) Action Taken 1.76 The recommendation of the Honourable Committee is noted. Presently, PFBR project is in advanced stage of Sodium system commissioning. Subsequent to completion of integrated preheating of primary system along with Main Vessel, secondary sodium system commissioning was taken up. Electro Magnetic pump in the secondary sodium system for circulating the sodium has encountered with repeated failures and the problem was solved in closed coordination with the designers. Further, on attempting towards running the Secondary Sodium Pump (SSP) at full speed, sudden seizure of the pump was experienced. All efforts are being made to solve this problem and to proceed towards filling of Sodium in Main Vessel after obtaining due safety clearances from Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB). Main Vessel and primary system is poised for receiving sodium. On filling and purifying the sodium in Main Vessel, Primary sodium Pumps will be commissioned and fuel loading will be commenced towards first approach to criticality.

Recommendation/Observation 1.77 The Committee notes that this year also the Department has shifted target of commissioning of PFBR. The Committee, therefore, recommends that Department must make a firm resolve and unflinching commitment to fully utilise the resources allocated to the Department this year and commission the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor by June, 2018. (Para 18.13) Action Taken 1.78 The recommendation of the Honourable Committee is noted. Owing to the unforeseen technical issue pertaining to design & manufacture of the components of Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor, which are first of a kind (FOAK), unexpected slippages in time schedule are taking place. However, BHAVINI is fully committed to adhere to the time schedule and spare no effort to complete the project by June 2018. Recommendation/Observation 1.79 The Committee is of the view that the Department of Atomic Energy through its various Research & Development activities is striving very hard against all odds to uplift the standard of living in the country. The Committee is happy to note that starting from a very modest beginning; the Department has brought the country among elite group of nuclear capable nations harnessing the fruits of nuclear technology. Keeping in view the excellent work that the Department has done, the kind of competence it has exhibited and programmes it has envisaged for the future, the Committee strongly recommends that the Department of Atomic Energy should be adequately funded and any kind of reduction in outlay at RE stage should be avoided. (Para 19) Action Taken 1.80 Ministry of Finance vide their I.D. Note dated 13.4.2018 has emphasized on providing sufficient budgetary allocation to DAE and shall be taken up at RE Stage with budget division, Ministry of Finance.

CHAPTER – II RECOMMENDATIONS/OBSERVATIONS WHICH THE COMMITTEE DOES NOT DESIRE TO PURSUE IN VIEW OF THE GOVERNMENT'S REPLIES INDIA-BASED NEUTRINO OBSERVATORY PROJECT Recommendation/Observation 2.1 The Committee, therefore, recommends that to earn the trust of the people, the Department should revisit the whole gamut of strategy and evolve a long term programme for it. The Committee also recommends that to take right message to the public about safety and security of the nuclear energy programmes, the Department should think of constituting Area Standing Committees on public understanding of nuclear technologies consisting of prominent civil society members of the area and scientists which should undertake the task to educate the people of the area about the benefits of the project to them and allay their fears. The Committee further recommends these efforts should be initiated around the areas where projects are pending for long due to public protests such as Jaitapur and Pottipuram, Theni. (Para 13.10)

Action Taken 2.2 NPCIL is having a structured Public Awareness Programme with an organisational and monitoring mechanism put in place. The programme is also provided with adequate resources for enhancing the outreach. Its thrust areas include people around nuclear power plants and new project sites. 2.3 The recommendation on constituting Area Standing Committees with prominent civil society members and scientists is noted and its possibility will be explored. SETTING UP OF NEW CANCER HOSPITALS Recommendation/Observation 2.4 The Committee takes note of progress taken place in setting up of Madan Mohan Malaviya Cancer Centre in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh and hopes that this Centre will be made operational within stipulated time. (Para 15.6)

Action Taken The progress made in setting up Cancer centre in Varanasi and Uttar Pradesh is given below : 2.5 The facilities in Varanasi are being developed in two parts, Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital (erstwhile Railway Cancer hospital) and Mahamana Pandit Madan mohan Malaviya Cancer hospital. Railway cancer hospital will be functional by last week of April 2018. It will look after basic treatment for leukemia/lymphoma (blood cancer), cancer in children as well as those affecting bone and soft parts. These cancers are not effectively treated in UP uptill now. The centre will have surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy facility with top notch diagnostic facility supported by pathology, micro-biology, radiology, anaesthesia and palliative care. Over 20 medical specialists, 60 paramedical staff and over 70 contract staff has been recruited to run this facility. It is anticipated that the centre will look after about 5000 new cancer patients per year. Some of the high-end interventions like linear accelerator will be functional by June and a bone marrow transplant facility will begin for the first time in UP, by end of this year. The centre will also treat all other cancers till the facility MPMMCH in BHU campus is ready to function. 2.6 In addition, we are offering technical and training support for the UP state government cancer facility in Lucknow for it to be functional by end of November this year.

CHAPTER – III RECOMMENDATIONS/OBSERVATIONS IN RESPECT OF WHICH REPLIES OF THE GOVERNMENT HAVE NOT BEEN ACCEPTED BY THE COMMITTEE NIL

CHAPTER – IV RECOMMENDATIONS/OBSERVATIONS IN RESPECT OF WHICH FINAL REPLIES OF THE GOVERNMENT ARE STILL AWAITED

NIL