Tue Aug 05 14:58:24 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article based on the provided text and taking into account the prompt of “The View From India”:

**Headline: Kaiga Nuclear Plant Expansion Gains Momentum, Promises Boost for Karnataka’s Power Supply**

**KAIGA SITE (NPCIL), UTTARA KANNADA, August 5, 2025** – Construction of the Kaiga Generating Station Units 5 and 6 (KGS 5 & 6), a major nuclear power expansion project in Karnataka, is gathering speed, according to officials at the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL). With excavation complete, the first pour of concrete is expected by November, marking a significant milestone for the 1,400 MW project.

“We are committed to providing clean and reliable energy for India’s growing needs,” said Kaiga Site Director B. Vinod Kumar at a press briefing held at the Kaiga site on Tuesday. He outlined that the project, with a total cost of ₹21,000 crore, will be released over a period of five years. Unit 1 is slated to resume operation on October 30, 2026, following an 18-month shutdown for essential maintenance.

Kumar emphasized the Kaiga site’s existing performance, stating that the four operational units have achieved international benchmarks, generating 1.3 lakh million units of power and preventing the emission of approximately 1.2 lakh tonnes of carbon dioxide.

The project also highlighted its commitment to local communities. So far, ₹110 crore has been allocated for corporate social responsibility initiatives and also additional ₹20 crore has been spent towards conservation of wildlife at Kali Tiger Reserve.

Addressing concerns about local employment, Kumar clarified that 84% of contract workers are from Karnataka, with a large majority from the Uttara Kannada district. He added that coaching will be provided to local youth to help them compete in the upcoming all-India recruitment drive for 390 vacancies. Further the Kaiga officials have taken steps as per the direction of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and were expecting approval for KGS Units 5 and 6.

Umed Yadav, Head of Corporate Communication of NPCIL, confirmed that 50% of the power generated by KGS Units 5 and 6 will be allocated to Karnataka, significantly boosting the state’s energy supply.

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