Chennai:
The Prime Minister has sent a senior minister to Tamil Nadu to talk to villagers who live near the new nuclear plant that's being set up 614 kms from Chennai.
V Narayanaswamy , minister of state in the PMO said today, "All the safety measures are intact. We are hopeful that we will be able to convince people and allay any fears about the safety of nuclear plant. "
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. But 100 people are reportedly on a hunger fast.
Yesterday, Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa 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 PM called her a few hours later, and said a minister would reach her state today.
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 Russian government is unhappy with the latest developments.
"We think that the protests that are growing now in Tamil Nadu against the power station are a rather unfortunate development. We think this is an internal matter of India, but we hope that this problem can be settled by discussions between the central government, the Department of Atomic Energy, local authorities, and the people who are now protesting in Kudankulam," said Senior counsellor at the Russian Embassy, Sargei Karmalito
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).