BARC to Build Major New R&D Campus on Andhra Pradesh Coast

India’s premier nuclear research body is expanding its footprint. The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) will establish a new research and development campus in Andhra Pradesh. The massive facility will cover 3,000 acres in Anakapalli district, near Visakhapatnam.

The project has received a crucial initial green light. An Expert Appraisal Committee recommended “in-principle” approval for diverting forest land. This move underscores the site’s strategic national importance.

Land Acquisition and Strategic Approval Progress

The central government has already acquired over 1,200 hectares of revenue land. BARC now seeks to divert an adjacent 148.15 hectares of forest land. This parcel sits between the main site and the coastline.

According to reports from PTI, the project’s Detailed Project Report is classified. This is due to its strategic nature for the Department of Atomic Energy. The Site Selection Committee and Atomic Energy Commission approved the coastal location.

The land diversion will enable perimeter security and essential infrastructure. Plans include a compound wall, patrolling roads, and service lines. The committee states the project will not harm the broader ecosystem.

A Boost for National Research and Development

This new campus represents a significant investment in India’s scientific future. It aims to advance research in critical and strategic fields. The work will focus on nuclear applications with wide-ranging benefits.

Research here will support national goals in energy, health, and agriculture. It is designed to enhance India’s technological and security capabilities. The facility will contribute directly to long-term nation-building efforts.

The committee imposed strict land-use conditions. No unrelated activities can be developed on the diverted forest area. This ensures the site remains dedicated to its core strategic R&D mission.

This new BARC R&D campus marks a pivotal step in strengthening India’s indigenous research capabilities. The Andhra Pradesh facility will play a key role in advancing secure and applied nuclear science for national development.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: How much land is involved in the BARC Andhra project?

The total project spans approximately 3,000 acres. Over 1,200 hectares of revenue land are already acquired. The new approval is for diverting an additional 148 hectares of forest land.

Q2: What is the main purpose of this new campus?

It is a strategic R&D hub for advanced nuclear research. Work will focus on applications for energy security, health, and agriculture. The center is a classified project of national importance.

Q3: Will the project damage the local environment?

The expert committee says the general ecosystem will not be affected. About 1,722 trees on the specific forest plot will be cleared. Trees closer to the sea will be preserved.

Q4: When will construction begin?

An exact public timeline has not been released. The project has just received an “in-principle” approval for forest land diversion. Further clearances and development plans will follow.

Q5: Why was Anakapalli district chosen?

The site was selected by a dedicated Site Selection Committee. Its coastal location near Visakhapatnam offers strategic advantages. The Atomic Energy Commission granted final approval for the location.