Chennai:
Villagers in Tamil Nadu's Koodankulam district have resumed their hunger strike. They are protesting against setting up of a nuclear power plant in the area.
Last month, around eight thousand people went on a relay hunger strike following which the Prime Minister had sent his emissary, Minister of State in the PMO V Narayanswamy, to take stock of the situation.
Protests from residents have been escalating mainly over security for the plant. Various experts have certified that the nuclear plant is designed to withstand a tsunami and is not located in a region prone to earthquakes.
The Prime Minister too had assured villagers that an expert group would be set up to look into the safety concerns.
The Tamil Nadu government has already passed a Cabinet resolution for stopping work at the construction site. Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa even sent a strong note to the PM, asking why the government has not deputed anyone to talk to villagers about their fears. She said the Centre has abdicated its responsibility.
The nuclear plant, a joint venture with the Russians, is expected to help reduce Tamil Nadu's considerable power problems. The first of its two nuclear reactors is scheduled to start operations in October this year.
The nuclear plant was sanctioned by the Central government in 1988. It is expected to cost $3.5 billion and is being built by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL).