Nuclear plants will have disastrous consequences on people living in their vicinity even when there are no accidents, nuclear scientist and social activist Surendra Gadekar has said.
Mr. Gadekar resigned his job in the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, following the Bhopal gas tragedy and the accident at the Kakrapar Atomic Power Station near Surat in Gujarat and launched a crusade against setting up of nuclear plants. Addressing a media conference here on Monday, he recalled that studies made in the vicinity of villages around the 500 MW Rajasthan Atomic Power Station have revealed that fatigue was common among the people.
Pregnancy-related problems like miscarriages and infant deaths, and chronic diseases were common among the people living in these areas which were akin to the problems being faced by the people living around Hiroshima.
“I realised that even when there are no accidents, nuke plants are very unsafe for the people living around them. Contrary to the claims of the pro-nuclear lobby, nuclear power is the costliest option. The real cost is in terms of the health of the people,” he said.
Replying to a query, he said door-to-door surveys were conducted among 2,860 people living near nuke plants and those living 50 km away. Mr. Gadekar strongly felt that conservation of energy was the best alternative to nuclear power plants. Reducing the high transmission and distribution losses in the country would go a long way in bringing down the demand for energy.
Renewable energy sources
When that wouldn't suffice, one could go for alternative renewable energy sources like solar and wind power plants, he said.
M. Polisu of Kovvada Nuclear Power Plant Vyatireka Porata Samiti said the people of Kovvada village were totally opposed to establishment of the plant. He recalled that Kovvada Panchayat had unanimously adopted a resolution against the setting up of the plant and sent it to the government. Social activist Kavula Saraswathi spoke.
