Surat, April 7 -- India possesses vast nuclear energy resources, particularly thorium reserves, that can generate around 5,000 units of electricity per person per year for nearly 500 years, but greater public awareness is needed to address safety concerns and accelerate adoption.

Speaking to ANI on India's advancing nuclear programme, Senior Scientist, Department of Atomic Energy, Neelam Goyal said that electricity remains the backbone of India's economy, supporting agriculture, industry and services.

"At present, around 70 per cent of India's electricity comes from coal, with much of the quality coal imported from Indonesia. This costs the country roughly Rs 12,000 crore annually," she said, stressing the need for energy self-reliance....