Union Minister of State for Prime Minister's Office V. Narayanasamy has expressed firm optimism of finding a solution to the stalemate regarding the Kudankulam nuclear power plant by the end of next month.
Addressing a press conference here, the Minister said that the first round of talks between the expert committee appointed by the Centre and protesters' campaigning against the project on November 8 was “purposeful.”
The local community and the protesting group have sought clarifications on six issues related to the project and the expert committee is in the process of examining them.
“Probably at the second meeting, which is slated to be held next week, all the issues will be addressed.”
The Centre would take all steps to clear the apprehensions about the safety of the nuclear plant.
“Maintenance activities are under way”
In Chennai, the Minister said that construction work on the Koodankulam nuclear power plant has been stopped but essential maintenance activities are under way.
Talking to journalists at the airport, he said that work on the first reactor was over but its commissioning slated for next month had been delayed by “some months” due to the agitation by the local people.
“We have told Chief Minister Jayalalithaa that maintenance work should be done and she has also accepted it,” he said.
The Centre had accepted the Tamil Nadu Cabinet's resolution and stopped the construction work besides setting up an experts committee to allay the fears of people.
Mr. Narayanasamy said there was a marked change in the attitude of the people of the State, especially in Kudankulam, and they were now supporting the plant.
Referring to the visit of former President A P J Abdul Kalam to Kudankulam on Sunday last, he said after seeing the plant Mr. Kalam had given vouched for its safety.
