Inspired by the ‘jal satyagraha’ of the people of Harda and Khandwa to press their demand for reduction in the water level of two dams, those protesting the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project too organised an agitation standing in the sea on Thursday demanding the closure of the ready-to-be-commissioned nuclear project.
Led by Rev. Fr. M.P. Jesuraj, around 1,500 protesters took out a procession from their protest venue in front of the St. Lourdes’ Church at Idinthakarai and entered the sea near St. Xavier’s Church after 11 a.m. While women and children with life jackets stood close to the shore as the sea was rough, elders stood behind them. Some of the men were seen carrying black flags and raising slogans against the KKNPP as they stood in waist-deep water.
Even as the agitation was going on, a Coast Guard Dornier aircraft flew over the protesters several times at very low altitude. This it did not deter the agitators, especially the children, who were constantly advised by Rev. Fr. Jesuraj through the public address system not to shout or gesture at the pilots.
Since Anti-KKNPP struggle committee convener S.P. Udayakumar and his close associate M. Pushparayan went underground fearing arrest in connection with violent incidents that took place a few days ago, they did not participate in the protest.
“This is a protest in the sea to highlight our appeal to the Chief Minister,” said Rev. Fr. Jesuraj. Even as the protest was going on, news on the Supreme Court’s refusal to stay the fuel loading in the first reactor reached Idinthakarai. It had little impact on the protesters, who vowed to carry on their agitation.
Keywords: Kudankulam nuclear project, anti-Kudankulam protest, nuclear safety, anti-KKNPP protests, jal satyagraha, Udayakumar surrender
It is exigent for CM to address the people protesting in idinthakarai ... When they can be instigated by two or three people Why cant they be pacified by educating the positives and curative works taken to obliterate the negatives of KNPP.
There are other question which has to be answered:
1. What about the nuclear waste which is going to be dumped in the sea? Its going to destroy the marine life completely in that region. Does government has any strategy for that?
2. Just look at what happened in the environmental summit which was very recently concluded. We were told reduce the carbon emission. The western nations emitted the carbon as much as they wanted and they got developed. Now we are not allowed to burn the carbon. What if the same thing happens with the nuclear power. what if the western nations turn around and say "Nuclear power has to banned" once we have spent loads of money on it.
It's better to exercise caution and think long term.
I don't really understand why scientists don't come forward to allay the
fears of general public living around KKNP. They should organise open
debates and educate people. Nuclear engineering is a tough subject; even
the people of the stature of Arvind Kejriwal couldn't understand a bit
and start voicing their support to the protesters. We know the concerns
of people are genuine, but we also know that all the questions which
these people are raising has been thought of much before, a lot of
studies have been performed to ensure an utmost level of safety.
The SC has reportedly endorsed the decision of the Madras High Court. The authorities must now take adequate measures to ensure that the nuclear plant is able to run.
Every 1% of electricity for India does count. In the coming years, to meet the growing demand for energy, nuclear power is something we can't ignore!!. Moreover, the energy demand in India is not comparable to any other country in the world. KNPP is a necessity for India. Thanks to Russia for bearing all these issues and still being with us for making this power plant a dream project for south India. It is to be noted that the security measures taken for this plant is really commendable. But, everything has its own risk factors. So, why concerned only about a nuclear plant. A sudden earthquake and resulting Dam collapse may create a worse disaster than a nuclear disaster.
People say that we can go with the Nuclear Power Plant - I think it is time to think hard. We can seperate people who wants it and then build power plant on top of their hear or their children and wives.
Few days back our PM declared that the terrorists are and would be infiltrating into different parts of our nation through Sea waters.
This route would be definitely dangerous and tricky one.Whether it is happening or not we do see agitators in Khandwa ,MP and KNPP protestors
in Idintha karai.Tamilnadu intensiying their activities along the
shores, a new and novel way of agitating.This route may prove popular and followed by many in the different parts of country,The readers
would remember our Indian history wherein all the invaders like
British,French,Portugese, came to India through the sea waters and
kept us at Bay for many years.we hope the people and the media should
focus on these developments just to avoid the history repeating itself.
With less than 1% of India's electricity to come from Kudankulam why labor over it? Add to it the difficulty of nuclear waste management. (More lethal and difficult than plastic)
Please Email the Editor