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Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday empthasised with “legitimate” concerns over the Kudankulam atomic plant but made it clear the project — which is facing stiff opposition from the locals — will not be shelved.
Singh decided to set up an expert group to allay the fears concerning the project, listed out a slew of safety measures and at the same time sought Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa’s support in “ensuring timely implementation of the project”.
In a letter to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, the PM pitched for the atomic pursuit. “Nuclear energy is one option to enhance our energy security. The Central Government will ensure that this is pursued with full regard to the safety, livelihood and security of the people.”
He said, “For a large and fast growing economy like ours, and given the volatility and uncertainty of international energy markets, it is in our national interest that we tap all sources of energy, and diversify our energy mix.”
However, Singh said his Government attached the highest importance to ensuring that the use of nuclear energy in India met the highest safety standards.
“We will not compromise on safety in the pursuit of our nuclear energy programme, whether it is in terms of technology, regulation, skilled manpower or emergency preparedness. Nothing will be done that would threaten the safety or livelihood of our people," he told Jayalalithaa.
"I count on your support in ensuring the timely implementation of the Kudankulam Project," he told her.
In a meeting with a multi-party delegation which called on him on Friday, Singh listed out a series of safety measures and clearances obtained for 1000 MWe Kudankulam plant. Noting that "legitimate" and "understandable" concerns were being expressed about nuclear safety after the Fukushima accident, he said the Government was "fully alive" to it and has sought to actively reach out to local populations at different nuclear power sites and other sections of society to allay such fears.
"Nothing will be done that would threaten the safety or livelihood of any section of society, particularly those living in the vicinity of a project," Singh told the delegation which wanted stoppage of work on the project.
It was agreed that since the issues raised were technical in nature and required in-depth discussion, the Centre would constitute a "small group of experts to interact with the representatives of the people of the region to satisfy all their legitimate concerns," a PMO statement said. The exercise would also involve the Tamil Nadu Government.
He said Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd has been in close contact with locals at Kudankulam for a decade now. Singh said following the Fukushima accident, NPCIL has enhanced its public awareness activities to address the concerns of the local people, and to highlight the superior safety features built into the Kudankulam reactors.
Singh decided to set up an expert group to allay the fears concerning the project, listed out a slew of safety measures and at the same time sought Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa’s support in “ensuring timely implementation of the project”.
In a letter to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, the PM pitched for the atomic pursuit. “Nuclear energy is one option to enhance our energy security. The Central Government will ensure that this is pursued with full regard to the safety, livelihood and security of the people.”
He said, “For a large and fast growing economy like ours, and given the volatility and uncertainty of international energy markets, it is in our national interest that we tap all sources of energy, and diversify our energy mix.”
However, Singh said his Government attached the highest importance to ensuring that the use of nuclear energy in India met the highest safety standards.
“We will not compromise on safety in the pursuit of our nuclear energy programme, whether it is in terms of technology, regulation, skilled manpower or emergency preparedness. Nothing will be done that would threaten the safety or livelihood of our people," he told Jayalalithaa.
"I count on your support in ensuring the timely implementation of the Kudankulam Project," he told her.
In a meeting with a multi-party delegation which called on him on Friday, Singh listed out a series of safety measures and clearances obtained for 1000 MWe Kudankulam plant. Noting that "legitimate" and "understandable" concerns were being expressed about nuclear safety after the Fukushima accident, he said the Government was "fully alive" to it and has sought to actively reach out to local populations at different nuclear power sites and other sections of society to allay such fears.
"Nothing will be done that would threaten the safety or livelihood of any section of society, particularly those living in the vicinity of a project," Singh told the delegation which wanted stoppage of work on the project.
It was agreed that since the issues raised were technical in nature and required in-depth discussion, the Centre would constitute a "small group of experts to interact with the representatives of the people of the region to satisfy all their legitimate concerns," a PMO statement said. The exercise would also involve the Tamil Nadu Government.
He said Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd has been in close contact with locals at Kudankulam for a decade now. Singh said following the Fukushima accident, NPCIL has enhanced its public awareness activities to address the concerns of the local people, and to highlight the superior safety features built into the Kudankulam reactors.
