Kudankulam:
Amid protests by thousands of villagers, more than 300 scientists and engineers, including some Russians, were escorted into the Kudankulam nuclear plant in Tamil Nadu to get to work after a seven-month lock-out created by demonstrations against the nuclear project.
Dr Srikumar Banerjee, the Chairman of India's Atomic Energy Commission said "The nuclear community has learnt a lesson from this agitation...and that (we) need a much better connect with local people." He said that activists and villagers should be rest assured that the safety standards for the nuclear plant meet international standards. "A clear cut disaster management exists for the plant," he said.
The nuclear power project, worth Rs 13,000 crores and being set up with assistance from Russia, was cleared by the Tamil Nadu government yesterday. In September, the state cabinet had passed a resolution demanding that the Prime Minister order a halt of operations at Kudankulam till those living in the area were convinced that they are not at risk. Dr Manmohan Singh then deputed experts and ministers to assess the plant and answer the questions of villagers. Ms Jayalalithaa had also commissioned her own panel of experts to study the plant. Her clearance for the project yesterday came right after an important by-election in the Tirunelveli district, where the plant is located. In an attempt to pacify the area, she announced a 500 crore package to improve roads and infra-structure in the area.
Last night, more than 180 people were arrested, including 15 activists who were leading their seven-month-long movement. They have been charged with sedition and waging war against the country.
Section 144 which bans groups of people from gathering in public places has been announced in and around Kudankulam. But last night, thousands of villagers gathered in an overnight vigil to make their discontent known.
Activists and villagers say they are not convinced that the nuclear plant, being set up at a cost of 13,000 crores, is safe. When it is completed, this will be India's largest power-generating complex. A pair of two 1,000 megawatt reactors will kickstart production. When all six reactors are operational, they will solve Tamil Nadu's massive power shortage.
The protesters, mostly fishermen from three districts, are worried that the seaside plant may damage the ecosystem with nuclear waste and ruin their livelihoods.
Last year's Fukushima Nuclear Plant Disaster in Japan is cited often by those who have galvanised the villagers against the Kudankulam project. Dr SP Udhaykumar has been at the frontline of the movement. He is on an indefinite hunger strike. "People within 30km radius of the Kudankulam plant have not been given any disaster training," he said. "Without doing this, they cannot load the nuclear fuel....the Central Government and the State Government would be held liable for this criminal activity if they decide to load the fuel rods without preparing the people," he added.
The Prime Minister's recent remarks that protests against Kudankulam were possibly receiving foreign funding provoked much anger among NGOs.