Shibu Thomas, TNN 15 August 2009, 01:15am IST
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/4895340.cms

MUMBAI: Paving the way for the country’s first nuclear power plant after the Indo-US nuclear deal, the Bombay high court on Thursday gave the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) its go ahead to acquire land for the plant at Jaitapur. To be spread over 900 hectares of land, the plant is being built by NPCIL in collaboration with French power firm Areva.

“The nuclear power project stands on a higher footing as it is going to supply power to millions of people,” said a division bench of Justices Ranjana Desai and Amjad Sayed. Lifted its earlier stay on the land acquisition proceedings for the plant, the court added, “The project brooks no further delay.”

Pointing out that the area witnessed high seismic activity, villagers from Madban, Mithgavane, Karel, Niveli in Ratnagiri had contested the setting up of the plant.

Agreeing with the state that the project was of national importance, the court said, “The power crisis is assuming alarming proportions in India… Load shedding has become a common feature. Power situation in Maharashtra is particularly grave,” observed the judges.