Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Russian Counterpart Dmitry Medvedev had a healthy discussion on the fate of Kundakalam Nuclear Power Plant and assured him that the project would continue as planned. The two leaders reaffirmed their cooperation on the Russia-aided Kudankulam nuclear plant that is facing agitation amid safety concerns raised by NGOs in Tamil Nadu.
Kudankulam Atomic Power Project is a nuclear power station under construction in Koodankulam in the Tirunelveli district of the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Construction has been delayed due to anti-nuclear protests by the locals and People’s Movement Against Nuclear Energy.
Thousands of protesters, belonging to the vicinity of the plant, have used various means to protest against the plant fearing a Fukushima like disaster. The protesters base their objection on the “more than 1 million people live within the 30 km radius of the KKNPP which far exceeds the AERB (Atomic Energy Regulatory Board) stipulations. It is quite impossible to evacuate this many people quickly and efficiently in case of a nuclear disaster at Koodankulam”, etc.
Work was stalled at the plant but has resumed recently.
Manmohan Singh assured Medvedev that despite the agitation the work on the nuclear plant will continue according to the roadmap outlined in 2010.
They also discussed the agreements for the units III and IV of the Kudankulam nuclear plant that will enhance the civil nuclear ties between the two countries.
The pacts were “almost ready”, Russian Ambassador Alexander M. Kadakain said in an interview early this week.
Medvedev who arrived here Wednesday was conferred the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Honoris Causa) by Jawaharlal Nehru University.
His visit coincided with the celebrations to mark the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between New Delhi and Moscow.