concern say critics. After toying with the idea for some time the TN government gives the green signal and the work commences amidst chaos.
The Tamil Nadu government after few deliberations has finally gone the centre’s way to give a green signal to the Koodankulam Nuclear Power Project (KNPP) in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu. After assuming work at the venue which was stalled almost since some time, scientists expressed that the plant is safe. Work has resumed in the KNPP under heavy security with over 300 scientists and engineers making their way to the plant Tuesday despite an ongoing protest that the state authorities have now decided to crush. India's Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Srikumar Banerjee said the plant is safe and there was no damage to it from the delays.
In a TV interview, Mr Banerjee said that in next three months the plant would start generating power and by end of the year both the reactors would work producing 2000 megawatts of power and contributing to the national and southern grids. This will be done along with clearing the people myth about the safety of the plant.
Incidentally the Chief Minister before agreeing to the resumption of work at the site sent her own panel of experts to inspect the safety standards of the plant. And after duly assured of the safety gave her green signal.
In a statement issued Tuesday night, former President of India, Abdul Kalam said: "Koodankulam Nuclear Power Project has enabled the process of detailed deliberations on the nuclear energy generation, the viability of nuclear power plants, its safety and security aspects and how important the nuclear energy is to achieve Energy Independence before the year 2030."
As usual the opposition cried foul and flayed at the CM, especially DMK was in the lead. The party President Dr Karunanidhi blamed the CM for the closure of the plant the last six months. He said Ms Jayalalithaa is responsible for the central government losing around Rs.900 Cr on salaries for the past six months as the KNPP was not functional.
Meanwhile the fisherfolks of the Idinthakarai near the plant protested against the plant fearing the failure on the lines of the Fukushima disaster. The People's Movement Against Nuclear Energy (PMANE), which is spearheading the agitation against the atomic power plant, in a statement issued Tuesday demanded the immediate release of arrested people, withdrawal of Tamil Nadu cabinet resolution giving the green signal to KNPP; demanding a thorough study of geology, hydrology and oceanography around Koodankulam and the safety of the reactor; release of the Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) between India and Russia and conduct of safety and evacuation drills in the 30 km radius of the Koodankulam project. Nearly 15 people have embarked on a hunger strike protesting against the plant. (With inputs from internet- AarKay)
