New Delhi, July 28: According to a recent statement by Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions and Prime Minister’s Office, Dr. Jitendra Singh, significant deposits of uranium have been found in four districts of Himachal Pradesh. Hamirpur, Una, Shimla and Mandi districts have sufficient quantities of this important element, which plays an important role in the production of nuclear energy.
The discovery came to light following a question asked by MP Sikander Kumar in the Rajya Sabha, in which he sought detailed information about uranium-rich sites in Hamirpur and Una. MP Sikander sought information about the estimated reserves in Himachal Pradesh and the possible establishment of a uranium treatment plant.
Dr. Singh confirmed that the Directorate of Atomic Minerals Exploration and Research (AMD), a unit under the Department of Atomic Energy, had carried out preliminary inspections in the area. These inspections revealed surface uranium at Masanbal in Hamirpur district. Additionally, uranium deposits were identified at Rajpura in Una, Kasha-Kaladi in Shimla and Taleli in Mandi. The total estimated uranium oxide reserves from these sites are 784 tonnes, including 364 tonnes at Rajpura, 200 tonnes at Kasha-Kaladi and 220 tonnes at Taleli.
Importance of Uranium and National Implications-
Uranium is a heavy metal that has significant importance in the energy sector, used primarily as a fuel in nuclear reactors to generate electricity. It is also used in various medical and industrial applications, including cancer treatment and radiography. The strategic importance of uranium cannot be underestimated, as it is a key component in maintaining energy security and supporting sustainable development goals.
The discovery of uranium in Himachal Pradesh holds national significance for several reasons. First, it can potentially reduce India’s dependence on imported uranium, thereby enhancing the country’s energy security. India currently imports a significant portion of its uranium requirements from countries such as Kazakhstan, Canada and Australia. Development of domestic uranium resources can help mitigate geopolitical risks associated with supply disruptions.
Second, the availability of local uranium reserves can support the expansion of India’s nuclear power programme. The country aims to increase its nuclear power capacity to meet growing energy demands and reduce carbon emissions. Uranium from Himachal Pradesh can contribute to this goal, ensuring a steady supply of fuel for nuclear reactors.
However, the extraction and processing of uranium must be done carefully due to environmental and health concerns. Uranium mining can lead to radiation exposure and contamination of water sources if not managed properly. Therefore, stringent regulatory frameworks and advanced safety measures are necessary to minimize these risks.
Future Prospects-
Although the discovery is promising, plans to set up a uranium treatment plant in Himachal Pradesh have not been made yet. The central government will need to conduct further feasibility studies and environmental impact assessments before moving forward on such a project. Collaboration with local communities and stakeholders will also be important to address any concerns and ensure sustainable development of these resources.
The identification of uranium reserves in Himachal Pradesh is an important step towards strengthening India’s energy resources. With careful planning and execution, these discoveries can play a vital role in supporting the country’s energy needs and economic growth, while also emphasizing the importance of environmental protection and public safety.
Get The Latest News Of Himachal First On Mobile, Click Here To Join Our WhatsApp Group
Continuing the achievement of the journey of effectiveness and credibility of more than 10 years in the career of journalism, as a woman journalist, I am Serving as the founder, promoter and editor of DiaryTimes with the trust and support of all. My credible coverage may not have given a big shape to the numbers, but my journey presents articles that make you aware of the exact and meaningful situations of Himachal’s politics, ground issues related to the public, business, tourism and the difficult geographical conditions of the state and financial awareness. DiaryTimes, full of the experience of my precise editorial expertise, is awakening the flame of credible journalism among all of you, so that the eternal flame of meaningful change can be lit in the life of the people of the state and the atrocities being committed against the people can be brought to the fore, I am motivated for that. If even a small change comes with the power of my journalism and the whole world becomes a witness to that issues, then I will consider myself fortunate.
