Chennai:
Villagers at Kudankulam are meeting today to decide their next course of action following the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board's clearance to fill nuclear fuel at the upcoming nuclear plant in the area. Members of the struggle committee have condemned this and said it is a contempt of court as the Madras High Court is yet to give its orders on petitions challenging the environmental clearance given to the plant.
The Fukushima nuclear tragedy in Japan had led to fresh fears among local people living closer to the plant. They claim the plant is unsafe, untested and a threat to their livelihood. But two government appointed committees have claimed the plant to be safe and public fears unfounded. However villagers say these reports do not answer their key questions.
Severe power shortage in Tamil Nadu has forced Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, who initially opposed the plant, to make a U turn. But anti-nuclear campaigners have not given up hope yet. Mr SP Udhayakumar, the Coordinator of the People's Movement Against nuclear Energy says "When security measures are being undertaken at nuclear plants after the Fukushima accident, when cases regarding this are still pending in Madras High Court, this kind of a clearance is illegal. It's an insult to our courts and it's insensitive to those who are protesting. We strongly condemn it". He adds, "Fishermen are returning to the village and all those who are organising this protest will soon get together and do everything required in a democratic and peaceful way."
Kudankulam is the first Indian nuclear plant to go functional after the Fukushima tragedy. While a few countries have suspended or have dropped nuclear power projects, Indian government's way of handling continuing public protest and opposition to the nuclear plant has come under close scrutiny by international communities more than ever before. More than five thousand protesters have been slapped with charges of sedition and waging war against the country. A few NGOs were forbidden from receiving foreign funds, accused of diverting funds to fuel protests. Prohibitory orders were issued in villages when people prevented employees and scientists from entering the plant which led to crippling of work for several months. Hundreds of villagers are still confined to Idinthakarai village, the ground zero for anti-nuclear protests, due to fear of arrest.