Post on 21-Jul-2020
transcript
Indian Nuclear Power Plant Sites
Where modern nuclear science and pristine environment share space
The exclusion zones
that surround the Indian
nuclear power plants are
blessed with a spectrum
of wildlife. Unlike fossil
fuel based power
production, nuclear power
is a clean-air technology
that doesn’t emit any
pollution and is friendly
to the environment.
Besides this inherent
strength, two things are
regularly happening in the
sites of Nuclear Power
Corporation of Indian
Limited (NPCIL) that
help the nature to
A view of Kaiga Generating Station in Western Ghats,
Karnataka
thrive. One, the habitats and wildlife in and around these sites are preserved and maintained
through an exclusive initiative called Environment Stewardship Programme (ESP). Two, more
ecosystems and habitats are developed to provide shelters to wildlife like birds and butterflies.
With these, plants flourish profusely, butterflies flit gleefully, birds wander enthusiastically,
and animals stroll calmly in the Indian nuclear power plant sites. More than 250 birds are seen
here. Kaiga, one of the NPCIL sites in Karnataka, alone has about 245 species of birds while 295
birds have been recorded in another NPCIL site Narora in Uttar Pradesh. Similarly, countless
butterflies exist in and around the Indian nuclear power plant sites as the plant life that provides
food to them are abundant here.
This photo feature gives you the glimpses of the biodiversity that bloom in the Indian nuclear
power sites.
Text and Nature Photos: J. Devaprakash
The author is a Manager (public awareness and press relations) at the Kudankulam Nuclear
Power Project, Tamilnadu. He writes about nuclear, nature and communication.
Ariel view of Kaiga Generating Station amidst the green forest in Western Ghats, Karnataka
A view of Kakarapar Atomic Power Station in Gujarat
A view of Madras Atomic Power Station in Tamilnadu
A view of Narora Atomic Power Station in Uttar Pradesh
A Long-billed Vulture Gyps indicus , one of the rarest birds in India, in its typical flight.
Photographed near Rajasthan Atomic Power Station in Rawatbhata.
Ecosystems around the Indian nuclear power plants also constitute several aquatic animals. Above, a
crocodile inside the exclusion zone of Narora Atomic Power Station in Uttar Pradesh.
A Golden Shower Tree Cassia Fistula at its full bloom in the exclusion zone of Kakrapar Atomic Power
Station in Gujarat.
A flock of Painted Storks in a lake near the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project in Tamilnadu.
Creation of butterfly gardens that provide safe shelter to butterflies are also part of ESP.
Above, a Tri-colour Flat butterfly sips nectar from the Jamaican Bluespike flower in the
butterfly garden established at Tarapur Atomic Power Station in Maharastra.
A Giant Wood Spider weaves its web. Photographed inside the exclusion zone of Kaiga Generating
Station in Karnataka.
A flock of Blue Bulls in the exclusion zone of Narora Atomic Power Station in Uttar Pradesh
A Brown-headed Gull, winter migrant from Central Asia, is seen in the waterbodies around the Madras
Atomic Power Station at Kalpakkam, Tamilnadu.
Brahminy Shelducks visit India from Central Asia during winters. Above, a flock seen in
river Ganges near the Narora Atomic Power Station in Uttar Pradesh.
A Grey-headed Barbet is a resident breeder of India, photographed near Narora Atomic
Power Station in Uttar Pradesh.
A Plain Prinia with nesting material in its beak. Photographed near Kakrapar Atomic Power Station in
Gujarat.
A Green Damselfly in the exclusion zone of Tarapur Atomic Power Station in Maharashtra.
A Gull-billed Tern in the skies of Tarapur Atomic Power Station in Maharashtra.
A female Asian Paradise Flycatcher at its nest inside the exclusion zone of Kakrapar Atomic Power
Station in Gujarat.
A Crimson Rose butterfly explores its food. Photographed near Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project in
Tamilnadu.
An Indian Roller at its favourite perch near the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project in
Tamilnadu.
A Blue Bull strolls in a waterbody inside the exclusion zone of Narora Atomic Power Station
in Uttar Pradesh.