The Government has come out strongly defending its decision to set up the Plant at Jaitapur. In a press release today, the Department of Atomic Energy said that the project was sanctioned only after it was found that it met all suitability criteria. The Site Selection committee had assessed all aspects of the Plant and recommended its suitability. The criteria considered include availability of land, population density, cooling water sources and environment, the release said.It emphasized that the Jaitapur site is not considered earthquake prone and all safety guidelines based on International Atomic Energy agencies regulations have been followed. The press release says there will be no adverse effect on environment, health, and life of people due to the operation of the plant.Meanwhile, Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh and Maharastra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan today held discussions with Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on the proposed nuclear Power plant at Jaitapur in Maharashtra. The meeting comes in the backdrop of strong protests against setting up of the 9900 mega watt power project. The protest intensified after the nuclear catastrophe at the earth quake struck Fukushima power plant in Japan.The Plant will use enriched uranium supplied by French firm – AREVA. In full stream the six units of the plant will produce 1650 mega watt capacity each. The plant will have a life of sixty years.