The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Koodankulam desalination plant ready

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Jan 31, 2009
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Koodankulam desalination plant ready

Special Correspondent

It will produce 1,000 cubic metres of potable water per day

— Photo: R.Shivaji Rao

Seeking Co-operation: (From left) Gayrat Taj Rov, Commercial Counsellor, Uzbekistan, Oleg Laptenok, Belarus Ambassador, Vladislav V. Antonyuk, Consul General of the Russian Federation and R.K.Mutha, Deputy Regional Chairman, EEPC India, at a meeting in Chennai on Friday.

CHENNAI: The Koodankulam desalination plant in Tirunelveli district is ready and will yield 1,000 cubic metres of potable water per day, said Vladislav V. Antonyuk, Consul General, Consulate General of the Russian Federation, here on Friday.

Addressing a seminar on ‘CIS countries – business and investment opportunities,’ organised by EEPC India Southern Region and the Small Industries Development Bank of India, he said that Russia was helping India build its biggest nuclear power plant, initially consisting of two nuclear reactors, followed by the addition of four more units later, at Koodankulam. Ultimately, it would meet the energy demands of the State.

According to Mr.Antonyuk, 90 per cent of the construction work had been taken up by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL). Russia was helping India to build and run safer and more efficient light-water reactors.

Massive savings

“It is the best option available for India. So far, there has been no problem with regard to building of two reactors, and it will result in great savings for India.

We are working with Kerala Minerals and Metals Ltd for the last two-and-a-half years in setting up Titanium sponge plant for processing and smelting of titanium,” he said.

On the economic meltdown, he said the CIS countries would overcome it by 2009. It offered opportunities for Indian exporters.

He said for a country to achieve higher growth, investments had to be made in infrastructure such as roads, power plants and desalination plants.

Belarus calling

In his address, Oleg Laptenok, Belarus Ambassador, said that Belarus was attracting greater attention these days. The two-way trade grew at nearly 100 per cent per annum from 2003 to 2005.

“The real economic potential of Belarus has not been exploited and, therefore, it makes it justifiable for Indian companies to intensify their activities for increasing bilateral trade.”

Mahesh Desai, EEPC National vice-chairman, said, “Even though India’s relationship with CIS countries has been close and cordial, it has not fructified to a large extent. We have to look at other areas to have long and sustainable relationship.”

R.K. Mutha, EEPC Deputy Regional Chairman, Southern Region, said that they were leading a business delegation to Mexico and Belarus to take part in ‘TECMA and METALL Working ’09’ show from March 10 to 20.

Indo-European reverse buyer-seller meet would be held in Chennai and Bangalore on February 23 and 27.

M. Ganesan, EEPC Regional Director, Southern Region, suggested either multiple-entry or double entry visas should be given to SMEs to boost trade.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Tamil Nadu