By IANS,
Chennai : Answers to the queries raised by a group opposing the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KNPP) are being prepared and will be given to them, Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office V. Narayanasamy said Thursday.
“Several issues were discussed at the meeting of the expert committees (Tuesday). The answers to the questions given by the agitators are being prepared,” Narayanasamy said here about the questions asked by the People’s Movement Against Nuclear Energy (PMANE) in the meet.
The central and the state governments have constituted two different committees to discuss the issues regarding and allay the fears of the local communities at Kudankulam and surrounding areas.
India’s nuclear power plant operator Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) is building two 1,000 MW nuclear power reactors with Russian technology and equipment in Kudankulam, around 650 km from here.
The first unit is expected to go on stream in December. The project is estimated to cost around Rs.13,160 crore.
The villagers fear for their lives and safety in case of any nuclear accident and the long-term impact it would have on the population.
The project work has come to a standstill since last month as the agitators intensified their protest by blocking roads leading to the nuclear power project site.
The local administration has advised the KNPP staff to stay inside their homes, fearing violence.
According to Narayanasamy, the talks with the agitators are progressing smoothly and in the correct direction. He hoped the issues would be resolved amicably.
He said construction work at the KNPP has been stopped and only essential maintenance work at the first unit that is ready for commissioning is being carried out.
Meanwhile, the relay fast protest at Idinthakarai near Kudankulam entered its 23rd day with the participation of around 800 people.
M. Pushparayan, convenor of the Coastal People’s Federation and member of the state committee representing PMANE, told IANS that around 100 anti-nuclear energy activists started a yatra from Madurai to Kudankulam to create awareness about the KNPP.