Chennai:
A central government-appointed expert committee on nuclear plants held its third round of talks with the Tamil Nadu government and people's representatives today in a bid to allay public fear over the Koodankulam plant.
While experts reiterated the safety of the plant, members of the state team are not entirely satisfied.
Dr A.E. Muthunayagam, the Convenor of the expert group, told NDTV, "Chernobyl, Fukishima and TMI type accidents not conceivable at Koodankulam. The plant meets safety standards and the fears of the local population are unfounded."
The team from Tamil Nadu now wants the expert group to directly address a group of village representatives they've formed
Work at the plant has been paralysed for the last two months after huge protests by local communities who have been demanding the closure of the plant. Protesters lay a day-long siege to the plant last week, keeping scientists and workers confined to the precincts.
More than six thousand contract workers have left the town in fear of a backlash. Plant authorities say currently they are carrying out only critical maintenance work at the site.