Chennai: With protests against the nuclear power plant in Tamil Nadu's Kudankulam spreading to neighbouring districts, former President APJ Abdul Kalam is visiting the site to see for himself the safety aspects of the reactors.
"The former President will visit Kudankulam to see the safety aspects of the reactors" during the day's visit on Sunday", an aide of Mr Kalam had said yesterday.
Mr Kalam had, in October, said that he would visit all nuclear reactors across the coastal belts to hold discussions with engineers and scientists regarding all aspects of the project. He is also planning to hold a survey among the protesting Christian fishing community to identify areas of concern. A report would be prepared only after conducting the survey, Mr Kalam had said.
Mr Kalam's visit to the project comes two days after Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Srikumar Banerjee and Nuclear Power Corporation of India Chairman S K Jain had met Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary Debendranath Sarangi and discussed ways to allay the fears of villagers.
The Centre has already set up a 15-member expert committee to clear "misconceptions" about the project.
"This Expert Group will explain the factual position on various aspects of the project and will also dispel apprehensions of some sections of the local people," the government said earlier.
Villagers at Kudankulam in Tamil Nadu have launched a series of protests, including an indefinite relay hunger strike, in their demand to close down the upcoming nuclear power plant. Protestors have expressed concerns over displacement and loss of livelihood in that area. A third of the plant's 6000-strong contract workers have already left the town out of fear.
The first of the two reactors at the plant was originally scheduled to start functioning alter this month. The nuclear plant is being built for nearly Rs. 13,000 crore and is expected to help solve Tamil Nadu's considerable power problems.
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