Kalpakkam
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Kalpakkam | |
  Kalpakkam
|
|
| State - District(s) |
Tamil Nadu - Kancheepuram |
| Coordinates | |
| Area | |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
| Population (2002) - Density |
~20000+ - |
| Codes - Postal - Telephone - Vehicle |
- 603102 - ++91-44 - TN-21 |
| Website: www.kalpakkam.com | |
Kalpakkam is a small town situated 65 km south of Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, a state in southern India. Situated on the coast, Kalpakkam is mostly famous for its nuclear plants and affiliated research installations. These include the Madras Atomic Power Station (MAPS), one of India's nuclear power plants, and IGCAR, the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, an affiliate of DAE, the Department of Atomic Energy. IGCAR, while being a multifaceted research installation, is famous for the fast breeder test reactor FBTR, India's first breeder reactor. It has got another reactor named KAMINI which is the only reactor in the world to use Uranium-233 type fuel,which is converted from Thorium-234.
Kalpakkam was in the news and a cause of concern when it was initially reported that Madras Atomic Power Station has been damaged by the tsunami caused by the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake. However, it was successfully shut down without incident. Power production has since resumed at MAPS. The tsunami caused widespread damage and resulted in a number of deaths( 40+) at the township.
The Kalpakkam Township is a well maintained well built planned township. The schools present in the township are Atomic energy central school (AECS 1 & 2), Kendriya Vidyalaya-1 and Kendriya Vidyalaya-2. The township is split into two segments: Sadras side and Pudupattinam side. Often there is a healthy rivalry in sports and other activities between the two sides esp since Kendriya Vidyalaya-1 is on the Pudupattinam side and Kendriya Vidyalaya-2 on the Sadras side. Both sides have identical facilities with Pudupattinam side having more complete and bigger facilities like the hospital, GSO (General Services Organization). The sides are separated by a bridge over the canal(backwaters) which joins the sea close by. Inside the township, the beach has a beautiful and breathtaking view which rivals many of the beach resort towns in the whole world. Until a few years ago, the beach used to be lined up with Casuarina trees and only a few weeds. But in recent times, the weeds seem to have gotten an upperhand which the local population is fighting to keep in check. Though there have been a few accidents, people love to go to the beach and take a swim in the relatively calm waters which are free of sharks. On any given day you can find families living in the township relaxing at the end of the day at the beach. There is a Tsunami memorial built in the township in memory of the loved ones who lost their lives in the tsunami incident in December 2004.
The township is well connected with road and TNSTC operates buses from Chennai,Puduchery,Bangalore,Tirupathi,Vellore,Chittoor,Kanchipuram.The ECR connecting Chennai and Puduchery passes through Pudupattinam.
Since the space was congested in Kalpakkam to accommodate more employees,a new township Anupuram/Amaipakkam situated at a distance of 8km from Kalpakkam was inaugurated in the year 1998.
Kalpakkam is also very close to Mamallapuram - one of the famous tourist destinations near Chennai. It is a very relaxing spot with quiet beaches and a very serene atmosphere. The environment within the township is well maintained for over 30 years. There are numerous trees and various parks within the township for both the young and the old to relax. There are various avenues for recreation - like tennis courts, music , dance , swimming academies and various other sport activities. The NESCO (Nuclear Sports and Cultural Organisation) holds many events and also movie screenings frequently.
The education in Kalpakkam is excellent. It has produced numerous achievers all around the world.
