By IANS,
Chennai : Protests at Koodankulam in Tamil Nadu’s Tirunelveli district, where a nuclear plant is to be commissioned soon, have been gathering steam with politicians joining the agitators.
Over 125 people are fasting to demanding closure of the two 1,000 MW power plants being built by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) with Russian help.
MDMK leader Vaiko, who has lent his support to the protesters, told reporters Tuesday in Tirunelvelli that after the recent nuclear accident in Japan, there is increased awareness about atomic power and its hazards.
He said the nuclear power project poses danger not only to the livelihood of the fishermen but also to the entire southern districts in Tamil Nadu.
According to S.P.Udaykumar, an anti-nuclear activist, the project poses danger to human life, and environment in the area. He said over 15,000 villagers will participate in relay fasts in support of those who are fasting indefinitely.
Those on an indefinite fast against the project include women, disabled as well as nuns and priests.
Tirunelveli is around 650 km from Chennai.