Anti-nuclear activists on Monday announced a Kudankulam Chalo rally on March 15, 2012 urging the government to “stop harassing” those protesting construction of the proposed nuclear plant there.
The activists said construction should be halted till people’s fears on the nuclear plant in Kudankulam in Tamil Nadu are allayed through dialogue.
“A Kudankulam Chalo agitation has been organised on March 15 where people from across the country will be urged to visit the proposed site and see the truth for themselves,” P.K. Sundaram of the Coalition for Nuclear Disarmament and Peace (CNPD) told reporters in New Delhi.
A statement, signed by several eminent citizens and released by the CNPD said, “We urge the government to cease harassment and persecution of activists of the anti-nuclear movements in Kudankulam and other sites, to drop concocted charges against them, and instead to resume dialogue.
“Until people’s fears and concerns are allayed, all nuclear power-plant construction must be halted,” said the statement signed by NAC members Aruna Roy and Harsh Mander, Arundhati Roy, Ramchandra Guha and Romila Thapar among others.
Commenting on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s remarks that foreign funded NGOs do not appreciate the country’s concerns, the statement said, the “foreign hand” charge sounds “especially bizarre” because the government has staked all on installing foreign-origin reactors and tried to dilute the nuclear liability Act under foreign pressure.
The activists have called for an independent, thorough, transparent review of safety of nuclear installations by a broadly representative body, which should also include civil society representatives.
Keywords: Anti-KKNPP protests, Kudankulam Chalo, Coalition for Nuclear Disarmament and Peace, NGO funding issue, Nuclear Safety
Please those who support koodankulam project come over here and reside near koodankulam where we have been living for years. I am sure u all speak a lot in favor of koodankulam plant because u all live 100s of km away from the plant. We live close to this plant within 15 km radius. Until now, our place is a heaven on earth. But if the plant starts to function, it will become a hell here. We are also Indians. If u r really an Indian, please think that we r ur brothers. Do u want us to suffer physically, financialy, and mentally for our whole life. The people around this plant r fully dependent on fishing and agriculture. In case the plant runs, we wont be able to consume these products. What should we do then? Run away from our homeland leaving all agriculture land, our business, our house, and our wealth and be a begger somewhere? Dont be selfish brothers, think as if u r a resident close to koodankulam plant. PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE.
indian citizens ,
our government have invested huge capital on these projects and now its time to exploit the investment they have done that's why now its not possible to stop the project right now so there is no need to do any protest, yes if you want to support INDIA than its better you give better plan or any alternative method to the government to provide electricity to nation Remember protest is not a solution but you have to do provide your point of view to citizens in better way to maintain the peace and economy of country.
This whole issue is turning into a big farce!!
People are talking about as if this is India's first nuclear power plant. There's umpteen number of power plants in India which are located more densely populated area's than Kudankulam and they been running without any issues for ages.
People arguing that Nuclear power plant damage future generations, need to realise the amount CO2 and other gases toxins from a thermal power plant is more viable to affect the future generations than Nuclear powerplant.
Those arguing for renewable energy like, wind, solar or geothermal are ages from becoming viable large scale method of production. Until then we need a cleaner and efficient method of producing power and Nuclear power plants are the way forward.
I am living near Kalpakkam, a running nuclear site. But I cannot live near a coal based power station or a cement plant. For my age I would have died long ago of such polluting plants. We listen to doctors for our ailments. We listen to advocates for our legal disputes. We listen to economists on our investments. But we are not ready to listen to engineers and scientists. There is no such thing as allaying fear. That is not possible. It is a mind set. We have wasted time in that. The need of the hour is power, power only power.
Justaposing the first two letters in the word 'nuclear' provides the right adjective for the government's arguments in support of its interest in the explosive expansion of nuclear power generation. One hopes that better sense will ultimately prevail!
Asking the government to open the kudankulam plant to overcome the power crisis is the most selfish thing. We need to ensure generations after us live a healthy life and not carry any disease from this plant. Government need to demonstrate how it will evacuate millions of people and where they will be kept if there is a disaster. Our country is a thickly populated country and any disaster would be Catastrophe.
The people who are all supporting for the Kudankulam atomic plant, why don't you go their and live nearby the plant with your family. Don't think that since you are away from it, it won't affect you. It may affect your future generation. Don't forget that, the people who are fighting against atomic plant, not only for them; for you also they are fighting. They are not against India. They are fighting for their livelihood.
Pseudo intellectuals like Arundhati Roy are always seeking to be at the centre of attention. Nothing more. If they are really interested in the welfare of the country, they would first hold demonstrations for providing clean and safe drinking water to our people. When our water is not safe to drink and our air is heavily polluted, what is the point in raising a hue and cry and asking for guarantees over the 'safety' of the nuclear reactor at Kudankulam alone? If anything, nuclear technology is more safe today than ever in the past and even the USA has reversed its earlier decision and is now going in for nuclear power plants. In any case, any kind of power plant has a degree of risk. Should we all live in darkness in order to be safe?
I'd like to know about how this development based on an addiction to oil can be cured by a nuclear palliative. As for assurances of nuclear safety, no honest knowledgeable person can give that. Nuclear power symbolizes technical arrogance and many see it as a threat to the present and all the future. A nation must not play russian roulette (pun not intended). Even now, it is possible to convert the system to conventional fuels. Calling opponents of nuclear power anti-national portrays intolerance and a fascist attitude. It is ironical that a non-violent agitation is violently suppressed to bring into being the greatest violence known to man. All I can do is try to answer the call of CNPD, praise the activists, and wish them success.
I'd like to know about how this development based on an addiction to oil can be cured by a nuclear palliative. As for assurances of nuclear safety, no honest knowledgeable person can give that. Nuclear power symbolizes technical arrogance and many see it as a threat to the present and all the future. A nation must not play russian roulette (pun not intended). Even now, it is possible to convert the system to conventional fuels. It would be fascist to call opponents of nuclear power anti-national. It is ironical that a non-violent agitation is violently suppressed to bring into being the greatest violence known to man.
n.ramaswami irps - since when did you become the spokesperson of the Public of India? Yeah, Kalam is an advocate of the KKNP. The same Kalam who when asked direct questions about Pokhran said "That thing from so long ago? I don't remember."
This is non-sense, a few holding the entire nation ransom - enough with this, let's start this plant and few more, let's get some electricity, start new businesses, generate new employment, they spend money, generating more employment........well you get the idea..its called economy...let's these jokers who has nothing to do keep crib on the sidelines...who is going to take ownership? if JJ doesn't put a full stop to this, she is not going to resolve the power supply shortage any time soon..which will affect her reelection chances next time around...
The Chemical industries association which is headed by very imminent engineers and scientists who are not politically biased and who are fully patriotic in every sense of the word have spoken for the construction of the plant in addition to many other sane people and well informed groups. What more do these protesters want. I smell rat in the word chalo...looks like it was coined by some fellow in a northern state if not Maharashtra, to stall progress in the south as usual. I will not be surprised if this plant is killed and ten years later a new plant is built somewhere in Maharashtra or U.P. or somewhere like that!
the NUCLEAR energy is the only left over option for India in order to meet its sharpening demands of power.. even though others forms are there but they can't supply the demand.. If people(protestors) think the same way, then how the developed nations are leaving till now.. may be some external forces are there in this protest as is was pointed by Indian PM.
Dear all, Due to this irresponsible we couldn't commission the plant, if they had stopped their agitation and this power crisis would have been reduced to some extent. Where were they when we had started this project worth of more than 10,000 crores and now everything is over and as our PM said that we are about to start the plant I. Now you are agitating and don't worry we will start the plant.
Even coal generated power is not safe considering it releases so much carbon and many of our lives are cut short by that. Does anybody protest against coal thermal power generation? People against Nuclear Disarmament seem to somehow play on the lame association between nuclear weapons and nuclear power generation. It is time someone took them to task and asked them to state what exactly it is they are against! The Government is really up against ignorance, dogma, and quite simply, an appetite for protesting! Simply shouting 'Nuclear power is not safe!' has run its senseless course and needs to be stopped. There is huge economical impact already because of industries having to lay off employees, not able to produce goods, etc., all because there isn't enough electricity. Please stop taking the nation hostage because of your ignorance. Some of the names in the NAC make me wonder whether they want anything other than publicity. The review they ask for has already been conducted!
@jayakrishnan r Instead of criticizing Rajdeep please try to answer his questions. Whose certificates does NAC need? Or the protesters need? If we were a police state the plant would have been up and running by now. Why not the protesters get some certificate from a scientific body that the plant is indeed unsafe?
Those who are wishing for the progress of the country has to raise their voice against the so called activists. These activists are pulling the country to 19th century. All the progressed countries are having enough atomic power stations for the production of electricity.
Glad that the media is now providing a platform for the people to express their views and perspective. More glad in seeing the active participation of the people here. The vision is, pretty soon, this kind of active participation and discussion will happen on the Legislative. Every issue has risks and opportunities. It is our responsibility, as the people of India, to get the whole perspective. Then it will be mush easier to take a decision. Right now, the Legislative branch at both state and center are ineffective. That is the reason, we discuss issues on the street and take decisions on the street. Once the Legislative branch become effective, representatives of the people will have discussion on all issues and evaluate both risks and opportunities. So, the problem is not Kudankulam or Atomic Power plant. The real problem is Ineffective Legislative Branch in Indian Democracy. Now, who will transform the ineffective Legislative to Effective Legislative. You. Only You.
I would like Aruna Roy,Harsh Mander, Arundhati Roy, Ramchandra Guha and Romila Thapar to come down to TN and live here for a while and understand the situation that common people are facing because of power crisis. 1) Students are affected badly (especially IIT aspirants and students appearing for 10th and 12th) because of this 8+ hours power cuts. 2) Industries are shutting down As far as people's fears are concerned, Dr. A P J Abdul has already communicated through media that kudankulam plant is safe and there is no cause of concern. There is nobody better than him in India who can talk about Nuclear power plants. Respecting all your activities, I humbly request you all not to create fear psychosis among public for personal gain.
It's utterly shocking to see the august members of NAC such as Harsh Mandar, Aruna Roy et all, getting involved with this 'theatrical madness of Kudankalam Chalo' being played now. Isn't it also surprising that, their parent body NAC is headed by none other than chair person of UPA Smt. Sonia Gandhi whose party, government and the entire machinery are all solidly behind the Kudankulam Nuclear power plant. Are they working in cross purposes then with the government stand. They have then no right to continue in NAC and should immediately resign from their post as government stand is diametrically opposite to them. By the way, these NAC members are most welcome to Tamilnadu, not just to two villages Kudankulam and Idinthakarai, but they will do well to visit each and every district in TN to see by themselves the groundswell of support for Kudankulam. It's time they open their eyes as well.Just as India needs Nuclear power TN needs Kudankulam to come soon!
I have a great pain on seeing all these utter nonsense. Where is our nation heading? Is our nation under siege of too much of democracy by accepting this kind of protest? Why Center and State Administrations could not take the comprehensive measures to tackle this protest? It seems this would be a longest ever protest/siege held by any group in the country without taking the majority peoples opinion.
Generally, and I have said this before, the belief that a majority of the democracy knows what it is saying is a fallacy at best and a subject of auto suggestion - where one would repeat long enough that something needs not be believed, and they won't believe it. TN is suffering from a pathetic shortage of power. This plant has been in the making for 2 decades. No less than the former President has given an assurance that it is relatively safe. Yes, the key word is relatively safe. How about the people saying "Hey, we'll make this work, simply because we will be dedicated to the safety of this plant.". Of course there are questions around liability, but seriously, are you telling me that there is a huge amount of liability in other non-nuclear power sectors? And finally, the Government reflects its people. The people voted for the Government and they deserve what they get? Yes, that is a question.
Just for the sake some minority votes in Sankaran Koil Miss. Jayalalitha is keeping quiet. Compare the stern action taken by Mr. Baktavatsalam the fomer CM during anti hindi agitation unmindful of the impending Dharmapuri bye election. He brought law and order in Coimbatore and also won the Bye election. Let her crack the whip and bring under control the Udayakumar etc. It is most unfortunate that even educated persons are supporting the nonsense. If allowed to go day is not far off when there will be an agitation against proposed Udankudi Thermal plant.
Henry II exclaimed "Are there none of bastards eating my bread who can get rid of this turbulent priest"(Meaning Thomas Becket) I ask politely why not take action against these parallel Govt. runners? In a private TV a lady arrogantly warns "we will not allow this Plant to open." what 13000 crores/ In a day we earn it by fishing
Kudangulam is a dangerous project with lot of questions unanswered! it must be stopped. It is a democratic country. Government should not use its iron hand on the democratic anti-nuclear movement.
Since ours is democracy, we should give every one to express their opinion. Who ever is clean will come victorious.
Perhaps a more effective padyatra would walk from Kundakulam to Jadugoda in Jharkhand and back. Seeing the toxic radioactive tailing ponds in Jadugoda just might chip away the misplaced confidence of those who believe that nuclear energy is some 'clean' alternative. Time to get rid of this nuclear superstition!!!!
This movement may have nothing to do with the safety of local people but for the vested interests of the organizers. They have no case without bringing an elusive argument of 'people's fears' into focus.
Dear , The issue is not certificate its fever we got from japan , we not even have a 50 bed hospital in that surroundings,in this situation how could we believe in the govt's precautions steps in case of emergency, let the govt take all precautions before starting, Brother Rajdeep will you allow your children to live near a nuclear plant...? ask yourself . when some one force us to live we have to think a lot..Bhopal history should not repeat to our children, we love them as you love your child .please pray for us.
@All, Dear friendly Citizens..What this Nuclear Site alone is going to with the India's progression and Development. What for the Progression and development, if you fail to realize the need of the people? What we have achieved using the Nuclear power so far ? Have we eradicated our poverty, or have you give employment to all the qualifies person in the country ?. Or we have dethroned the corruption from our country ? What sort of development and progression are all talking about ? Have anybody know that, is this a clean energy we can produce out of Nuclear reactors ? Dr. kalam is known for his Nuclear supports. What we can expect from him ? Why the Govt. is shying away to meet the people and hear the voices. ?
I wonder why this stalling process. We all know that there is a huge shortage of power in tamilnadu. This is one cheap solution that can work for the state and it is the cheapest means of generating good power. We all know the rivers in the state run dry and there are no sufficient resources in either hydroelectric, Lignite, windpower etc to cater to the needs of the tamilnadu people. It is high time the government do something serious and starts working the project to complete it in time as it has been delayed already due to various reasons.
@Jayakrishnan r What's the link between education and rajdeep's comments ? Seriously ! You take pride in the fact that India is NOT a police state, but you do not realise that forceful policies are needed at times. India is an immature democracy, and people do not see major issues as 'issues'. In such circumstances, the government needs to act like this. Even though I am not a supporter of the ruling political party, I am forced to take this stand. If people do not want Kudankulam, then, they must be ready to face 6-8 hour long powercuts (and a consequent economic collapse) for the next two years.
With all due respect to those eminent people, I ask them not to see at one side of the coin in KKNP issue and give out the statements. But the term they using govt. 'harassment' on NGO's are wrong. It is an allegation which is certainly true. A particular group naming them as NGO and benefiting out of foreign money and putting 72,138,400 people into dark trouble because of lack of power supply which would have been rectified in last December. I request these eminent people to put the feet into the shoes of student who are going to get into real crux of life. They are going to face board examination in fortnight. People who are aiming to get into IIT are not only facing competition from Tamil Nadu, they facing competition from nations. Also I request those people to come down here, spend their time with people and get to know suffering keeping in mind all factors like financial, Psychological etc,. Later they can come out with their statement to support or content the KKNP.
India is a democratic country.You are free to express your fears. All over the World there is a protest against Nuclear Energy and Nuclear Bombs. It was the first anniversary of Fukushima Disaster. 3000 People are working on closing the Nuclear Plant in Japan. It will take 10 years to close down. 3000 people are working under the threat of Radiation. But they are doing it to save the future generation in Japan. Koodankulam agitation is meant to save the future of India. If there is a shortage of Electricity we can have to meet it through Wind, Solar and Biomass. We also can save the electricity through underground cable transmission. We can also save electricity through the use of CFL bulbs. 'Koodankulam Chalo' is the call of the moment.It is a historic moment like Dandi March.
A person who joins defence forces didn't think about their life as far as the risk is there, but for the sake of nation he do so like that people who are opposing the nuclear plant at kundankulam should also think on the same line for the progress of our country and this is the need of the hour.
Wonder why the CM of Tamil Nadu is not pressing the PM (as she has been
on one vis-a-vis NCTC) for a detailed discussion on resolving the
Kudankulam stalemate. Is it because the demands of people in her state
for an immediate restoration of uninterrupted power supply only
secondary to a lone stranger sneaking through the borders of the country
on the North-east?
Are the NAC members looking forward to the development of the nation or
still want india to be an undeveloped nation. so many countries are
using the nuclear power and see the proper light. Are these people
guarantee a natural calamity like Tsunami and koana dam disaster.
AruntatiRoy is poking her nose in all matters not at all related to her.
These type of movements will have a support of a handful of people who
never bothers about the country.
pray when will the state and central governments put a stop to all these nonsensical anti national activities and ensure people get electricity and water. please help the public.
No less man than former President Kalam spoke for this plant but these
people won't believe anything.
We're suffering from too much democracy my friends.
@rajdeep
Are you kidding me? You seem to be an educated chap. Your allusion is completely
baseless and at best be an attempt at a joke. The govt has enough resources to
educate and lay at rest the confusions and apprehension
Of the people. We are not some police state that can thrust down policies down
people throat if citizens do not agree. Unfortunately the Pm and his cronies want to
play a cloak and dagger game.
A good initiative from the CNPD team. They should mobilize the people to participate these kind of agitations and make aware of the people..Let the people ask the questions and get the questions answered. Why there is so much Noise on the NGO funding etc. Let the Govt. come clean on the Liability bill and safety of the reactors. There should be transparency in every Govt. activities. Why the Govt.agencies running away from the people and their solid questions. Govt. is trying to use its might force and try to suppress the people by registering cases and make allegations against them with lot of baseless comments. Come on people..let’s get united and fight for our rights..
Public should realize that this kind of stuff is a deterrent to progress of the nation. People who are for progress should have a demonstration against these so called "kundankulam chalo" activists!!!.
Can NAC members Aruna Roy and Harsh Mander, Arundhati Roy, Ramchandra
Guha and Romila Thapar Give 3 Valid Reasons why Kudankulam Plant
should be shut down?
from whom does NAC members want Certificate that Nuclear Plants are
safe ?
asking Govt to Allay People’s fears and concerns...is like asking to
Allay People’s fears and concerns on Ghost
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