Koodankulam Impasse

There is no point in blaming the Tamilnadu Chief Minister, Dr. J.Jayalalitha, who is taking active steps to overcome the power crisis, which is the outcome of the the previous government failed policy. force against anti-nuclear protesters in Kudankulam, Kudankulam Nuclear Plant issue is unwarrantably blown up by vested interests. The agitation is carried out by only a small section of the people in and around Kudankulam. Reports indicate that outside disruptive forces are fomenting the feelings of the local people by spreading falsehood about the safety of the Project. The media, especially the TV channels, is blowing the news out of proportion. Of course, the safety of the Plant is of foremost importance. Available information suggests that there may not be any threat to the locals from natural calamities such as moderate tsunami or earthquake. Kudankulam, being a very backward and relatively illiterate area, the fisher-folk and the dry land farmers are easily misguided by the vested interests. Moreover, now the agitation has assumed religious color. It appears, if the agitation is prolonged further, it may ultimately develop into a religious flare up between Christians and Hindus, which would definitely become a threat to peace and tranquility of the area. I trust that the impasse created by misunderstanding and false propaganda will be eased and the Plant will generate power soon. Otherwise, the vision of the new government to speed up the tempo of industrialisation.
Dr.C.Murukadas, Economic Times, Sep.12, 2012