KOODANKULAM (TN): Maintaining that he has not come as a mediator, former President A P J Abdul Kalam on Sunday fully backed the operation of the Koodankulan Nuclear Power Plant, saying it was “safe” and was needed for the development of Tamil Nadu’s economy.
“The plant is safe in all aspects. There is no need to worry about the safety aspect of the plant, as it is in a low frequency seismic zone. There is also no threat of a Tsunami as the plant is 1,300 km away from the seismic centre point. Besides, the plant is 13.5 metres above sea level,” he said.
A votary of nuclear energy, Kalam, who is on a mission to allay fears about the safety of the plant, held discussions with scientists and engineers of the Indo-Russian joint venture, including Nuclear Power Corporation Chairman S K Jain.
Kalam’s visit comes amid the continuing standoff on the Rs 13,600 crore project, whose first unit was scheduled to be commissioned in December. Officials said the agitation by locals against the project has upset the scheduled commissioning.
Asked if he would mediate with the protestors, Kalam said he had not come for that purpose. “I came here to know about the safety aspect of the plant and I will convey my opinion to the officials concerned, the committee and government.”
However, he expressed his willingness to clarify any doubts or questions raised by the people over the plant. “The agitation against the plant is unnecessary as it will help in the development of Tamil Nadu in a big way,” he said. “People should have confidence in the government, in the experts and engineers who are building the plant,” he said.
He recalled an accident in which six scientists were injured while checking the Rohini satellite in 1979, but he became more resolute to work for the satellite system.
Similarly, people should have confidence in the safety of the plant and believe assurances given by officials, he said.”I can say there is no chance for the plant here to get affected in any way by earthquakes or Tsunami.” (PTI)
