The present power demand in the state was 6,500 MW. Of this, 5,525 MW were generated in the state, while the shortfall was met by procuring power from the Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd. During his visit to Russia, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had signed an agreement with the Russian government for collaboration on setting up five nuclear plants in the country, including the one at Haripur. The project was given environment clearance by the Centre and land in Haripur was allotted to Russian company Rosatom for developing a nuclear park for its 1000 MW atomic power plants. Local farmers and fishermen, supported by a number of NGOs, launched an agitation against the project fearing eviction and loss of livelihood.