Mohali, March 2: Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh stated on Monday that the Central Government will examine the feasibility of establishing a nuclear power plant in Patiala. Speaking at a discussion session titled ‘Challenges, Opportunities and Way Forward for Punjab’ in Mohali, the Minister noted that the proposal would be reviewed as part of the Centre’s broader initiative to expand nuclear energy infrastructure across the nation.
“I am grateful for this opportunity and heartened that the people of Punjab believe the Modi government can assist the state in addressing its issues,” Dr. Singh stated.
“We are working for the betterment of the people; we are now ensuring that no water from Jammu and Kashmir flows into Pakistan, but is instead diverted to Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan,” he added.
Dr. Singh affirmed that the government would review all necessary conditions and contributed that if practically possible, the Centre would ensure the plant’s establishment.
Dr. Singh also addressed regional water security, stating that the Modi government has corrected historical oversights regarding the Indus Water Treaty.
He maintained that the Shahpur Kandi Dam project on the Ravi River would provide irrigation for 36,000 hectares in Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring that water remains within Indian territory.
Additionally, the Minister declared that the ‘Ujh Multipurpose Project’ is expected to bring cultivation benefits to another 90,000 hectares across both states.
The commitment follows a formal request from Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) Satnam Singh Sandhu, who advocated for the project to address Punjab’s rising electricity requirements.
Mr. Sandhu noted that a previous proposal for a plant in Patiala’s Drauli village was rejected in the early 2000s and asserted that the state requires clean energy alternatives to its current coal-dependent thermal plants.
“We want the issues facing Punjab to be resolved and are truly grateful to the Union Government for listening to the state’s concerns, especially regarding the water issue,” Sandhu asserted.
The session was attended by a diverse group of intellectuals, industry leaders, and former administrative officers. MP Satnam Singh Sandhu affirmed that the Central Government has paid specific attention to Punjab’s development over the last 11 years, noting a deep bond between the Prime Minister and the people of the state. Attendees unanimously suggested institutionalizing the discussion forum to create a long-term structural roadmap for Punjab’s industrial and agricultural revival.
