Bhabha Atomic Research Centre Expands R&D Campus in Anakapalli

The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) has initiated plans to expand its Research and Development (R&D) campus in Anakapalli, Andhra Pradesh, by seeking the diversion of 148.15 hectares of forest land. This significant move aims to enhance BARC’s capabilities in nuclear research and has received preliminary approval from the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

The expansion will take place within a larger 3,000-acre campus, a portion of which has already been acquired as part of the project. The EAC reviewed the proposal earlier this month and recommended its approval, noting that the forest land is strategically located between the project site and the sea. This site selection was based on recommendations made by the Site Selection Committee and has received the endorsement of the Atomic Energy Commission.

According to the EAC’s meeting minutes, BARC’s new campus is intended for strategic purposes, contributing to national interests in energy security, health, agriculture, and water management. The project will involve the construction of essential infrastructure, including a perimeter compound wall, security fencing, patrolling roads, a pump house, watch towers, and drainage systems.

The environmental impact of the expansion has been a consideration during the approval process. The EAC indicated that while 1,722 out of 21,244 trees on the proposed land will be removed, trees located near the sea will remain intact, ensuring minimal disruption to the local ecosystem.

A senior official from the forest department confirmed that BARC had formally requested the allotment of land for its expansion. After thorough evaluation, the state government approved the allocation of forest land. The EAC emphasized that no changes in land use will be permitted for non-site-specific activities on the diverted land, reinforcing the project’s focus on its intended purposes.

The expansion of BARC is positioned as a vital initiative by the central government, aimed at bolstering the nation’s research capabilities in various strategic fields. As the project progresses, it is expected to play a crucial role in supporting advancements in nuclear science and technology, contributing to the broader goals of nation-building.