A proposed nuclear plant runs into resistance even before takeoff in Madhya Pradesh

Residents in Madhya Pradesh's Rewa district have halted initial ground investigations for a proposed nuclear power plant near Rojhauhi village, expressing concerns. Tata Power Company Limited is behind the project, which aims to construct a 2X220 MW nuclear facility. The company claims it has commenced pre-project activities, but villagers argue that construction has not yet begun.

A primary issue is the proposed drilling, involving eight boreholes to reach depths of 100 or 50 meters. The Rewa Collector's office released a letter on August 21, 2026, detailing these geological investigations. Additionally, a June 28 letter outlines a feasibility study for water availability and drainage requirements, referencing nearby water sources like the Tamas River, Bansagar Reservoir, Tons Barrage, and Beehar Barrage.

Villagers protested when drilling equipment arrived, leading to talks between district officials, police, and project representatives. The villagers' concerns extend beyond construction, encompassing potential health and environmental impacts. Social activist Shivanand Dwivedi warns of the plant's possible catastrophic effects on local health, environment, and future generations, likening it to the Chernobyl and Fukushima disasters.

He also asserts that no public hearing has been conducted and that a NOC was supposedly issued based on a forged letter.

The Rewa Collector, however, maintains that no land has been allocated to Tata Power and that the Madhya Pradesh Industrial Development Corporation (MPIDC) is involved in facilitating land. The Collector states that only after establishing land suitability can a decision be made on the project, emphasizing that the initial testing does not signify the commencement of construction.