How safe Kudankulam nuclear power reactors are

if it is safe, will u stay with us?
otherwise, why do you make this comment

The people in Kudankulam power plant shall accept the growth of science technology.Also Government will satisfy the innosence of people about the importance of power used in daily life.After construction of power plant,now few persons oppose this sceme create strong doubt about their nationality.

Sir, We are not thinking about radioactive leak and the disposal of nuclear wastes. But, one thing it is clear that the nobles and literates are confusing the innocents. The rural mass is being confused. Also, it is clear that as of now, nothing can be done, as the project is over and we know that crores of rupees have been spent for the project. Better it is the time for us to invest in harmless solar and hydro energies. We have, all the three sixty five days, the sunshine in India. On the knowledge of mankind, we are capable of having safety measures for the known factors and we do not know the unknown problems of natural disturbances. Alternatives to nuclear power are many in numbers and they are hundred times less risky compare to Nuclear power. It is having very safety measures for the known factors and not for the unknown and unpredictable natural disturbances. In addition, finally, the Tamil alone would suffer.

This is happening in an area where people who protest know only Tamil.
Writing an article in English in The Hindu will not serve the purpose.
This has to be published in Tamil in the Tamil News Papers and also can be given to people as a free leaflet to every body who lives around Koodankulam.

To Stop Nuclear power plant we should not be a nuclear scientist but if we have common sense that is enough. The media just spread news not the fact. A Nuclear power plant gives 40 to 5 years power but we need to protect it for nearly 2000 years. This is the only reason enough to close a nuclear power plant....right.

i think that the power plant is harmfull to people.because the government is not correct.........

This is a good article published by your esteemed paper. Hopefully this will clear some of the doubts in the minds of the people and make them see the light at the end of the tunnel. Like Dr. Kalam said there is no 100% safe reactor in this world. Our Atomic engineers have evaluated the safety features numerous times to make sure that this reactor has all the safety features to protect human lives and the environment.
It is futile to talk about terrorist attack or missile attack or an unforeseen major natural disaster since no other man made structure can survive such an event. It would be good for the people of TN if KKNPP can be operational soon to alleviate the power shortage situation.

(1) Why nobody is speaking about the greatest problem of "DISPOSING
THE NUCLEAR WASTES".
(2) What is so special with KKNPP as compared to the best NPP in the
world. It would be more convincing if those points are clearly
illustrated in a Graphical video. So that, everyone can understand.
(3) It is very essential to generate more electricity in our country.
But, our government holds the responsibility of proving the
sustainability of the development schemes.
(4) Personally, I feel happy to see the protesters. because they
remind me about our Country's Democracy.

Past and present atomic energy eastablishment scientists have during panel discussions on the electronic media have by their 'you don't know anything' and 'we know everything' attitude have already alienated public opinion.Their arrogant criticism of protests against nuclear power plants in general and Kudankulam plant in particular has made the protesters more adamant. It will be in the interests of scientists and their cause to credit the protesters with at least a modicum of intelligence.

I believe nuclear plant is the way forward. Having spent 10000 crores , the govt must extend investment beyond limits to ensure safety from any possible threat, be it natural or human. Since the locals are not satisfied, the plant should be upgraded in a manner that sets example for world. Its sheer view must calming. One more aspect I want to see is how well it is maintained. As it is, we indians have a laid back attitude. But this plant must be operated with utmost professionalism and dedication.. Lets take India to the next level.

Can someone say what will happen if at all some thing goes wrong ispite of these safty measures. ***Our parliament was attacked by terrorists*** Highly safe zone**** We lost couple of lifes ***Twin Towers attack in secure US was attacked we lost thousands of lifes from the building. Can any one imagine or estimate the loss (For generations to come) if some attacks or human error in such neuclear plants can cause???? I think some crores of lifes will be lost till Madurai and for years Our Tamil generations will suffer for years. Please lets not forget Nagasaki and Hiroshima in Japan and Bhopal.

nothing should be hidden from the public.their apprehensions should be
cleared. no dirty politics be played with the future of this country and
its people.Those who are opposing the plant now and were sleeping
earlier are black mailers, should be dealt with sternly.Such people are
anti national and anti people both.Govt. must find out who is at their
back.

By considering India's present situation in to account , so many jobs
needed. In that view , We have to accept this project which is a small
oppertunity for unemployers. As per my view , it is a safe
project.Because , it contains Advanced Reactors,Safe Measures are Taken,
due to this no effect on Merchants,Constructing in a safe place . MORE
IMPORTANTLY, PEOPLE JUST NEED TO KNOW THAT "THE FUEL USED FOR NUCLER
POWER GENERATION AND FUEL USED FOR ATOM BOMB ARE DIFFERENT".Some People
don't know about it. Moreover, Advantages are more than Disadvantages.

As a indian i would accept all the statements above by the government. We are in hurry to satisfied of electricity needs. Yes its good plan to run reactor, but same time public doesnt have that much of awareness about the above need. some of the industrialist play behind this. so my words to govt is convince people, at the same time find out the person who is behind this to make people against this,and govt should punish them.Basically tamilnadu is in need of electricity now, so central govt want to make sure that huge amount of production will be provided to tamil nadu. because central govt always neglect tamil nadu and its people.

The following comment was "moderated". Why? It it irrelevant to the
subject? Is it disrespectful to person or institution?

What can the general public say about the "22cm thick Reactor Pressure
Vessel (RPV) which weighs 350 tonnes", and other similar technical
details?

The only thing a layperson can say is, "Well, It's much heavier than
my house". But how is that relevant?

If these 22cm, if these 350 tonnes were enough to ensure complete
safety, why have the domestic and international nuclear companies
pressurised India to pass a law limiting their liability to a
minuscule Rs. 500 crores?

There are only two possibilities. Either it's safe, or it's not. If it
is safe, there should be no limitation to the companies' liability. If
it's not, let them decide how many cm of steel, how many tonnes of
concrete they need to make it safe. We are not the experts, they are.
Why should we certify them? Let them assume full responsibility.

Hats off to C K Jaidev!
People who are opposing this plant and Nuclear Power as a whole should first retrospect themselves and the country. Have you thought about population explosion? How generally every household has four kids in average? How gonna fulfill the food, electricity requirement? Don't blame every time the Government.

In view of your guarantee that VVERs have very advanced safety features and that the public may rest assured, can public assume that all the earlier built reactors in the country are not adequately safe and hence demand that they must all be decommissioned? Have you considered with utmost seriousness what Mikhail Gorbachev has commented on nuclear accident?: “ First of all, it is vitally important to prevent any possibility of a repetition of the Chernobyl accident. This was a horrendous disaster because of the direct human cost, the large tracts of land poisoned, the scale of population displacement, the great loss of livelihoods, and the long-term trauma suffered by individuals. Is it not true that the most certain and cheapest way to any possibility of a repetition of the Chernobyl accident is avoid nuclear reactors? Are you convinced that the STATE has considered the much benign and less costly options to meet the electricity. demand as against nuclear power?

Technology by itself does not produce Nuclear power. Politicians, Bureaucrats and Technocrats establish and run power plants. Nov 4, 2011 news: "Chinese and Russian firms are the most likely to engage in bribery overseas, according to a new report by Transparency International."
Can Dr. Abdul Kalam or K S Parthasarathy assure us that corrupt Swiss Bank Accounts do not contain any kick-back from Kudankulam Project? How do corrupt politicians control their corruption from seeping into the massive concrete walls protecting nuclear furnaces? Even if they constructed it 100 per cent fail safe, will it not need maintenance. Maintenance budgets are for lining the pockets of politicians first, and their servants next. Take a bus from Thiruvannamalai to Bangalore, to see what road maintenance means! Let scientists fix the politicians' itch for pubic money first. Tsunami AND a lack of maintenance caused disaster in Japan. Not an earthquake; but corruption will cause disaster in TN.

The above debate is interesting....we often say....one should listen to expert's views on a given a subejct! Yet, some of our friends above have objection, when two eminent scientists & authority speak in favour of Nuke Projects / Kudankulam. what's their fault ? They are all ex-officials of same dept. Well, When ex-cricketers Sunil Gavaskar or Kapil Dev speak on cricket with, we all respect their authority on the subject & clap their views. Right, after all they are experts in the field & we respect / listen to their views. Why on earth double standards then, when two ex - DAE experts speak with authority on Nuke/Kudankulam. One should s and listen to experts & not rabble rousers. It's indeed shameful that, people are asked to make a choice ....Dr. Kalam or Uday Kumar ? Parthsarathy or Pushparayan ? where's the comparison ? Let people of our country decide, if they want to go back to dark age or bright age!

The article thoroughly misses the point. What can the general public say about the "22cm thick Reactor Pressure Vessel (RPV) which weighs 350 tonnes", and other similar technical details? The only thing a layperson can say is, "well, it's much heavier than my house or anything that I know of". But how is that relevant? If these 22cm, if these 350 tonnes were enough to ensure complete safety, why have the domestic and international nuclear companies pressurised India to pass a law limiting their liability to a minuscule Rs. 500 crores? There are only two possibilities. Either it's safe, or it's not. If it is safe, there should be no limitation to the companies' liability. If it's not, let them decide how many cm of steel, how many tonnes of concrete they need to make it safe. We are not the experts, they are. Why should we certify them? Let them assume full responsibility. Repeal the nuclear liability law. In the mean time, there should be a moratorium on all nuclear activities.

Response to my article was overwhelming. Details about the seismic study, spent fuel management, merits and demerits of different modes of power generation etc are too extensive to be covered in 1000 words! . We will factor in lessons learnt from Fukushima in all areas. We have been handling radioactive wastes at nuclear power plants since 1969. Kudankulam plant has provision to store spent fuel safely at site. Spent fuel is not a waste;it contains plutonium, a valuable resource. We have developed vitrification process which involves adding high level waste remotely into melted glass to make it non-dispersible. We must keep up to date with every facet of nuclear technology.
We must develop a pool of specialists in this technology nation-wide. Disbelieving scientists just because they are in Government service is regrettable. However, scientists must continue to dispel the apprehensions, if any, of the general public.

Several precautionary measures in hand...yet disasters happen...i came to read this in a twitter update..."no one stops cooking if a gas stove blows in a house!!!"am not supporting this completely...but the fact is that people ask for both power and safety...had they made protests when kalpakkam power plant was under progress, then there would be still an adverse condition...not in a view completely supporting the act of government, but the project having been almost over..its of no use shouting aloud..it will take only a few days for the government to convince the masses..we can just pray god no mishaps occur at koodankulam...

I think the question is not about how technically safe the nuclear plant is. It is well known that thick walls and negative pressured annullus are no match to natures forces when they do happen in any level of catastrophy. The question is about safety in normal operation so events like Bhopal do not occur. The question is about corporate social responsibility shown by the Kudankulum project towards the society in the vicinity of the plant. That is the reason why questions like nuclear waste or spent fuel management arise. This has not been addressed adequately by the project authorities. The people want proactive schemes like regular health check up schemes, or radio activity monitoring, that is visible. The schemes should be inclusive and the society should very well be a part of the project rather than being excluded and only told to evacuate in any eventuality. Awareness and inclusive approach only can make things work. Apart from nuclear science use ingenuity for inclusive society.

Safety features are good enough as explained .If the reactor is so safe as explained, then why always government locate a place where the tribals lives. Dont get any other remote area in total indian cities where the electricity is in more use. there is no excuse of population. there are quite enough population in kudakulam too. I agree that we need to focus on India's economy, india's growth. Electricity is major problem to be addressed.But occuping tribals area for building such a big plant is unlawful. We (city people) only use more electricity but we have cenima , big big malls around us, But think for those people living in such area like kalpaakam,Ranipet ,they have to come to city for their education and other improvements.Every one are trying to hide these big, big mistake by just talking about the safety features. open up and think. Nothing can be done for kudakulam as of now, as the project is almost over. but it is a good lession to all eductioned indian and goverment.

Thanks for the Splendid article.
There are respected experts in every field and people before leading any agitation should discuss in detail on the issues. I feel the following issues need to be discussed in detail .
1. Most of the prosperous nations are extracting about 30-40 per cent of power from nuclear power and it constitutes a significant part of their clean energy portfolio.
2.The occurrence of four failures / accidents in six decades cannot be made out as a case for disbanding the Nuclear technology
3. India is blessed with the rare, and very important, nuclear fuel of the future – Thorium.
4. India has the potential to be the first nation to realise the dream of a fossil fuel-free nation, the nation is spending about $100 billion annually in importing petroleum and coal.
Economic growth need massive energy. Will we allow an accident in Japan, in a 40-year-old reactor to derail our development. Need for the agitation at the time of commission of the plant is not known

Aside from Koodankulam, consider the role of Areva, the French behemoth that is planning to build the world's largest nuclear complex in pristine Jaitapur. They plan to have SIX reactors generating a whopping 9600 MW. Can you imagine an accident to just one of their reactors? Study the track record of their "superior" EPR reactors and you will find many serious technical problems as well as cost overruns. Their plant in Finland has been postponed from year to year and the budget has doubled from the initial $3 billion to $6 billion. Check out Areva's reactors at Flammaville and you will be shocked at the state of affairs. And yet, India, under Manmohan Singh is cozying up with Sarkozy, whose bait is support for a Permanent Membership of the UN Security Council.

There is something unique about our culture – the way we see and do things. After Fukushima a Prime Minister in Japan lost his job. After the Bhopal disaster I did not see any authority giving up his position. Maybe I missed something and need to be enlightened. That atomic energy is green energy is not disputed. So is energy from wind and sun. All three are expensive. But we know what is the cost of wind and sun energy. The real cost of atomic energy in India is never disclosed by our great authorities. Wind and sun is available in unlimited quantities in South India and the hazards are near zero. India like China has a very poor safety record in industry both in public and private. To add to all this, the atomic energy regulator in India is not independent. He works like a department and even when a good man presides, he is very often gagged. In Japan which prides itself for its technology, the atomic energy regulator was a hoax. It was predominantly funded by the industry and had achieved enviable levels of concealment. Reports indicate that it is now being restructured. I haven't seen anybody anywhere explain waste disposal. Fukushima is a comparatively less populated place on the island of Honshu. The Kudankulam reactor is located in a comparatively more populated place. I can see that the population is mostly poor and those who are writing the positive things are generally well off. Am I imagining a divide?

I agree to what the author has described. Can life of thousands of people left to chance? "Suppose" is a very very dangerous word. Suppose a nuclear accident happens, Can we go back to original condition (no reactor in kudankulam)? Because once a disaster of scales of even 5 happens (7 being chernobyl / Fukushima),then its like a poison, we cannot do anything but sit and watch people dying, and people affected by radioactive air, water. The rescue forces will do their job, but cannot go back to original situation. The news will fade away like Bhopal tragedy, and it will be left to the people living their to bear the pain. Thousands of people will die and further thousands of generations will have genes mutated. So is this necessary? How can people in Delhi sitting so so far away decide the course of action. Its better to invest in harmless wind energy and solar. Wind energy is having lot of potential, the 2000 MW capacity can be achieved by placing a 500 wind turbines in sea.

Although many people do not understand much about neuclear scince and power but this article helps understanding about the project. Any source of power is required to fullfill everrising power demands. The question of suitability on the location. Government and Media should encourage such articles and debates to help people understanding it for a non-contovertial projects and progress. Also we should be ready to pay the price for the thing we are using.

I guess if the people have problem, which is obvious, then let there be public debates for the issue. The article gives enough facts for a go ahead. But we should also consider the protesting voices. Let there be a point-to-point question and answer session/article on a public platform so that masses wont be judgemental about the people involved in the project. Coz question-to-question reply with facts will allay the fears.

I am well convinced that the present agitation by people in Koodankulam and by the CM, TN, are either political or based on other extraneous matters. In spite of World class roads, the road accidents are much more dreadful than a dozen Nuclear power reactors meant for supplying energy starved India. This power generation source ahould be immediately started, even if necessary with Presidentś rule in the State.

Will Dr. Kalam or Dr. Parthasarthy take responsibility if anything untoward happens tomorrow with these reactors ? Are they convinced that this is the price to pay for development when even European nations are starting to shut down their nuclear reactors ? Will we please stop aping the US and think for ourselves what is good for us ?

If it is so safe, then Can KSParthasarathy move inside the kudankulam nuclear plant campus if provided a free apartment? Don't advice for others sitting in a safe place.

The succinct details described here-in can be integrated in to developing a reliability analysis for the plant. I wonder whether at any phase in the design, has there been a look at a trade between the sea water-based heat exchangers and cooling towers and those using dry (air)-cooling/hybrid cooling. If the latter is favorable, it may minimize the impacts of sea water-based cooling (at some cost). Such additional trade can be presented to the policy makers, and to the concerned citizenry for further deliberations. Also, has the earthquake induced submarine landslide-based tsunami risk been evaluated for the site/vicinity? In addition, is it customary to get the citizenry engaged in disaster preparedness exercise/training in response to small and large accidents at the plant? But then a well planned warning and alert system should be in place with a detailed evacuation plan. Pray is one such already in place?

Most of the Indian cities now have high pollution levels and we all live in it. Its a slow poison than the Nuclear Disaster put together. How many here have voiced their protest towards this increasing threat of pollution, be it noise, chemical and smoke. Has there any concrete step towards it of either decreasing it or an alternative. Nobody! Then why so much hue and cry over Kudankulam. You people are ready to breathe polluted toxic air forever and unwilling to have eco friendly power generation. The debate will go on and can be endless. How many here are known to the facts that India is among the largest polluters on planet Earth. The main culprit for this cause is fossil fuels, which India uses recklessly, caring little about its own habitat and ecology. At this rate of buring coal and diesel for power generation, dont expect stablity and progress. Nuclear option is to stay here. People die in India due to starvation than nuclear threat. Nobody bothers, Strange isn't!

we want power but not power plants,we want food but doesnt want fertile land to be declared farming land.we want awesome leather products but dont want tanneries as they pollute.finally we want to save earth and at the same time want even more comforts.HUMANITY is wanting two opposite sides at the same time

Agree with Vidya's comments. When it comes to power, there are no easy choices and it is very frustrating. Since folks in TN like cinema songs and the given the current discussion, I do hope "The Hindu" wouldn't mind publishing this funny Tanglish song to reach out to large audience :-) This song is set to the tune of famous song "Veedu varai uravu, veedhi varai manaivi" from the movie "Padha Kanikkai".
--------
Coalu plantu baseu
Peak plantu gasu
Neeru vittaa hydro
kadaisi varai yaaro -
kadaisi varai yaaro ?
coal plantai pottaal
emission enru solvan
nuclear plantai pottaal
radiation enbaan -
radiation enbaan !
wind plant pottaal
solar vendum enbaan
solar adhikam pottal
kassu illai enban -
kaasu illai enban
power cuttu neveru
current venum everu
meter kanakku palaru
thirudi eduppan poweru -
thirudi eduppan poweru !
Coalu plantu baseu
Peak plantu gasu
Neeru vittaa hydro
kadaisi varai yaaro -
kadaisi varai yaaro ?

A DAE person giving a clean chit to a DAE run plant. What an irony? Who will believe it? I suggest that DAE should get neutral experts from foreign countries, especially people who are known for their integrity, who are not working for supplier companies and countries which have interest in nuclear plants in India. DAEs trust quotient is very low.

I am someone who recognizes the rightful place of nuclear power in today's world. However, in India, the concern is not about the technology. It is about the people, the corruption and the systems steeped in bureaucracy that will be our undoing when things go foul. For example, a few months ago, there was news that radioactive material from a premier research lab had found its way to a scrap dealership in Delhi's crowded markets. It was not untl the scrap dealer turned black and died that they realised that it had gone missing. Something worse happened in Kaiga too. There was a radioactive leak and many people even died even though the media did not go to town with it. In that case, if reports are to be believed, it was sabotage by a disgruntled employee. With doofuses like them at the helm of affairs, the risks far outweigh the benefits. Nuclear energy is a viable solution when done right. But it is not for India. We haven't matured to that level yet.

If the likes of Kalam are so much convinced about the safety measures adopted in Koodangulam nuclear power plant, why can't they put up one in the capital city of our nation? By doing that, they can exhibit the valor and courage of the enlightened residents of Delhi to the entire world and this example will certainly allay the fear of he innocent, illiterate, rural masses of Koodangulam.

Lot of interesting points here. We are power hungry more than ever. We sorely lack electrical power for our overall upliftment of society like running factories, providing illumination of streets during night time, etc. Our kids are having trouble preparing for exams. Rolling blackouts have become an integral part of our lives. Alternative energy including Nuclear energy is the only way to go. We have come a long way from Chernobyl in terms of nuclear power. Look at Fukishma(Did anyone die there? nope). Bhopal was caused by entirely different source. India to grow, needs energy. We should look at alternative forms of energy generation including Solar, Wind and Nuclear. Yeah we can build Hydel powers up in the Himalayas, but how is it going to serve South? Did you take into account the transmission cost, storage, losses etc? The rains in South is not dependable as we all know.We need Nuclear power and people need to understand why Southies need Power.

Looks like, it's royal confusion out there & everyone is outdoing with suggestions to make up the India's power shortage! Would like to respond a specific suggestion reg substitution of Kudankulam 2000 MW plant with some 1300 odd Wind mills of 2 MW each....well, it's not as simple (maths) as that!; Friends....while nuclear power plants can run with an annual capacity factor of above 90% (as per various data published), the same value for a wind farm in TN is just around 25%-27% & obvisouly,wind farms can not generate more than that....due to varying windy conditions! Also, 1300 odd windfarms needs lots of space as well, which is not all that easy to find now; What is prudent therefore is to have both! India needs both wind & nuclear and regions adjoining the Kudankulam have shown to the world of co-existence of both until recently, and let's allow this harmony to continue, for heaven's sake!.

Its a great insight to the safety of the reactor with precis details. The lacking thing in this article is the total safety of the plant. Though article specifically says about the safety of the reactor still there are other safety issues which needed to be discussed. One which came to my mind right now is the hacking of the electronic and software systems installed there. As the writer himself said its has fully automatic safety measures so in hacked situation there is nothing the personal there can do and I personally dont think the plants safety will withstand a deliberated started reaction in the plant. How much energy do you think is needed to break these two safety barrier. I personally think the reactor's fuel can generate that much energy if operated by experienced hands. I am not opposing anything I am just putting a point which i think also need to give attention and its one of the important point as our country's history is not so good with terrorism and its harmful actions.

Why don't we go for the safe eco friendly most economical hydel power as suggested by our power experts well over 30years back. More than on lakh MW hydel power potential is still available in the Himalays under the territory of Nepal and Bhutan. As Nepal does not require, it is not interested in. Why not we tap it with an MOU with Nepal. Now although it is highly impractical and very expensive for China as they have to cross the mountain to tap such potential, it shows interest in it. Now India has woken up. Who is going to win? China or India. Hydel power plants are eco friendly, easier and faster to install. Let Dr. APJ or those who back nuclear technology reply.

In a land of inefficient law and order, delayed justice where even the Bhopal case is not yet settled, the culprits flee under the protection of Govt, In a land where train on train collapses every month, In a land where any one can blast any place (be it a market or a temple or a mosque or a court or a parliament), How do they promise absolute safety of N-Reactors ?
Solution: 2MW Suzlon windmill retail cost is 10 Cr. For the price of 13610 Cr Kudankulam (by wikipedia), we shall have 1361 windmill with a total output power of 2.7MW in contrast to full capacity 2MW output of Kudankulam. Infact N-reactor has additional operating costs, raw material costs and disposal costs. Wind mill grid is the technology Germany is opting for a steady supply of power. India is geologically a diverse country, this diversity creates great winds. The policy makers must act sensibly and responsibly. rayeesahmed.blogspot.com

experts clearly clarified the technical and safety aspects to the public. the protesters deliberately indulging such stupid activities and misguided the people as well. where the protesters have gone when the projects construction beginning stage. they want some identity through this issue. as for as power is concerned solar only the polluted free and able to deliver during day time only. the existing thermal could not fulfill the requirement of the power and the hydel need the rich catchment area and need continuous flow of water. there is no other way for the people except nuclear. they have ascertain every three months and vigilant observation to make the people easy to under stand the people. all safety oriented training to be imparted to the public. sophisticated hospital to be situated and free health check up and to ensure the high -fi treatment to be given even to the common man. growing greenish trees which should absorb radiations from the plant if there is any leak. t

The sun keeps producing nuclear power every moment for its life, all this time. Does it spread only radiation to kill ecology including mankind? Let us say God has placed the sun at a very carefully calculated position in our planetary system. So too man has learnt from His designs of systems and learnt all that we know today about atoms and nuclear energy, and we will make technology advances.y, Our posterity is safe, but inaction can jeopardise it. Every opportunity, such as nuclear power generation, comes with challenges, and we develop strategies and methods to face them with success, and keep perfecting them. The most threat in energy for public health, climate change and ecology is from coal-based plants, and we need to improve coal qualities for thermal plants as well as eqpt. for generation and pollution control. So too the relatively less hazards associated with nuke power. We have manpower as well as all the raw materials. We need to do appropriate costing for cheap power.

Environmental fundamentalists are behind this supported by local politicians who have some axe to grind They are unscientific as they have no rationale in their approach.Exaggerated comments, half truths and blatant lies spiced with sensation are churned out to the gullible public who can be easily duped.It is really funny that Thermal Powerplants which are pollution giants are never opposed by these people.More power to have "Roti, Kapda aur Makan" for the poor must be our motto.It is a pity that in India important policy decisions are not taken by the democratically elected Govts but by the mob on th street. What a fate!Govt should leave no stone unturned to proceed with the project.Entrust the whole place and the surrounding area to the army after properly rehabiliting the the local people,if any.If the Govt takes a strong stand the present manipulated protests will subside.

Very informative article to be read by all for development of our country.

A very informative article. But as always, for those who are not convinced, the truth lies somewhere in the middle. It is true that no amount of scientific research can reassure against future unpredictable calamities. Having said that,it should be understood that there is an unknown element in so many other things that may come to light only at a future date; if reasonable care and precautions against known calamities are taken and safeguards provided for all known eventualities,the nuclear plant can be allowed to function with a proper contingency plan in place and all the stakeholders thoroughly educated about it.

We are already paying the suffering from using coal-based technologies; global warming, climate change. I don't understand why people are 'OK' with this slow destruction of the environment but can't stand the very mention of nuclear power because it 'might' affect them in the future. May be they think that it is up to to their children to suffer the effects of climate change, so they don't care much. People who are opposing nuclear power, please ask for shutdown of coal based plants because it is damaging the environment slowly and steadily.

catastrophy awaiting.

Russia has a track record of lax safety as far as nuclear plants are concerned. They have hundreds of submarines near Finland waiting for disposal. With this type of record public should be informed on the disposl safety etc. If the public were kept informed during the construction itself these problems would not have risen. The Govt. did a very poor PR job.

Author distorts details. Says Tsunami of 2004 measured 9.2 in the Richter scale with out mentioning the location. The location is in Indonesia not Kudankulam or Kalpakkam. He should have given data relating to the above two locations and not mislead people to think that the earth quake was 9.2 in the Indian shore.The same applies to tide height as well. Any analysis should reflect reality bereft of bias. He should have traced the progression of the FUKUSHIMA catostrophe in the Kudankulam safety system context in a tabular form and drawn inferences instead of repeating the same old stories of safety.What about spent fuel bay location and no-break battery capacity and availability in terms of time which are crucial. We no doubt need nuclear power in the energy mix for meeting the enormous capacity addition and for this transparency and good regulation are the key.

I hope Hindu continues to enlighten people. While opposing the nuclear power because of its destructive capacity, people are forgetting that the fossil fuels are not that harmless or that the other renewable sources are not that dependable, atleast with the present technology. People should question the safety aspects and government has the duty to satisfactorily answer them.
Nuclear power would constitute major portion of our energy basket and we should allay the fears of the local community by taking their welfare into account. Dr. Kalam has shown the right way forward.

None of the Nuclear plants are 100% safe, when it comes to a natural
calamity. Only concern here is why have people suddenly started to
protest against it, while the project was on for almost 20 years. After
millions of rupees and years of effort have been spent.

Dr. Kalam has already explained the important role that nuclear energy can play to aid India's development. Moreover, the author has made it clear that the plant is technologically safer compared to Fukushima. As far as risk is concerned, well, isn't there a risk in the kitchen, or while driving. We need to understand that there is a degree of risk that we need to live with. India should capitalize on the investment that has already been made rather than letting that money go down the drain... again.

Splendid article. We cannot go back a century behind by saying no to technology. Its becoming a habit to say no to everything even to small ghat road or railway line

Nuclear energy is inevitable and all I see is local fears is mishandled by authorities. All we need to do is prove the reactors are safe to people even though "nay sayers" are determined not to hear anyone

We are successfully running trombay/kalpakkam with our own technology for years and this technology is even better and I dont see any reason to stop the plant.

well said

I am a safety Engg. in L&T. I worked there past 2 months so I know about kknpp and its safety features. You have explained truly, exactly what is there. I beleive our India is the safest country than any other world. In the kknpp the chances of earthquake and tsunami is very very low(100000:1).

If the scientific community concludes that the plant is safe, then the Government of India should ignore the protests and go ahead with the running of the plant. What is good for India cannot be decided in a street corner.

The article by the writer, coming close on the heels of green signal given by Dr. Kalam for Nuclear Power / Kudankulam, was very informative and authentic. Just because, the writer belongs to the nuclear establishment, we should not view it with pre-conceived notions, but try to analyse these issues objectively. Technology is always an evolution and it emergest stronger with each day and nuclear technology is no exception. The present installed capacity in India needs to be doubled in the years to come, and India will not be able to achieve unless, we adopt and embrace Nuclear Power!; we can not be dependent on thermal or hydro alone which have many limitation; why thermal plants contribute CO2 emission to environment, hydro plants are largely nature dependent...so do, the solar and wind power technology, which are still not reliable enough to bank upon. India thus needs lots of electrical power to grow and the road for the same surely passes through nuclear technology !

Thanks for the writeup. Has there been any stress test conducted for this plant - i.e. computer simulation of how this facility would withstand the impact of an earthquake or Tsunami? If so, what are the results? If not, when will it be done? Which agency would conduct it?

Its a calculated risk. Long before the next tsunami hits the subcontinent, there will be a "power-shortage-tsunami". Nuclear Power FTW !!

While Scientists and Atomic Energy Experts are exhorting for plant operation, public representatives like Mr.Udaya Kumar and Srinivasan are vehemently demanding the plant shutdown. This is a historic moment for govt. of TN and India as to how to take things forward on an important matter like this which is coupled with national development. But for the vision of Pandit Nehru to buid 'Temples of modern India' after attaining freedom, India would have been like the present day Somalia is no wonder.

People who belong to nearby region are highly influenced by Fukushima tragedy that occured in Japan. Their fear is very much justifiable. I the country like India, if a tragedy occurs there will be no concerned authorities will be taking the accountability or we cannot see the government reacting hard towards the people concerned for the their negligibility. The main accused in Bhopal tragedy was very much able to escape from India with help of the then CM (of Madhya Pradesh) and PM (Of India). Both the CM and PM are not alive now and so is the charges against them!!!

This is a great article, bringing to the public's notice about the relevant safety measures around this project. While the public awareness has been high on this issue thanks to accidents like Chernobyl and Fukushima, I think that with it's huge Thorium resources, India has the right positioning to be a world leader in nuclear power. This would act as a catalyst to sustainable growth that the planning commission has been envisaging in the near past.

Well said!! May be educating people a bit on these could be helpfull!! I guess people over there dont even know a bit on nuclear reactors and thier safety features all they care about is some news about fukushima which is no were near the standards of the reactor build at kudankulam!!

Investing these huge sums of money in one basket is not a wise decision because it impedes the search for more benign alternatives. What do think about the decision of Germany and Italy to look for better solutions to energy than potentially hazardous nuclear plants? I think the scientific establishment should look honestly at all the alternatives in an unbiased way for once and not try to push this one down the throats of the public.

In view of my experience in technology PSUs as our nuclear power corporation is,people taking decisions are managers and they are all pliable to the authority for personal gains like foreign trips and accelerated promotion and now the new scheme of incentives based on their skills in their pliability to higher ups.It is true in all sections of government and this is the reason of decay of our technology standard vis-a-vis western countries. In case of nuclear power stations, which are very sensitive items in case of problems, safety analysis should be done very methodically.In case of any adverse situation, people in far away areas get affected ,who have no connection with the plant.So the necessary documents and the methods of arriving at the conclusion proclaiming these safety issues need to be put in public domain, so that it is available to all people knowledgeable but no way connected to the concerned department.

i have heard that underground water gets polluted due to radio active wastes expelled from the reactor, and also it has happened some where in France, so how do we counter this.

Kudankulam reactors are more modern and safe Indian scientists and engineers will operate the reactor safely

The author can convince many, if he stipulates who will pay the price when safety mechanisms are breached?Nuclear plant life is 40 – 60 years and spent fuel management is equally dangerous for indefinite period of time.What is the period the author envisions the safety features to protect? Catastrophes continue to highlight weakness in human imagination. But the price is paid already.
Each catastrophe elsewhere will remind them of the potential destruction. What is the right do you have to instill this fear and potential harm? Doesn’t the energy problem have an alternate solution? I request author to read about the RMS Titanic. Danger is always present despite mankind’s effort to overcome.The questions are "what is the price? Who pays it?" when the danger becomes reality. Can the author answer these questions?

The Indian populace needs to introspect when they protest, as in the case of the Kudankulam project. We Indians are proliferating at a mind-boggling rate and the citizenry is loathe to take responsibility for its actions when it comes to a burgeoning population and yet expects the Government to feed and clothe it and provide it with all modern amenities/infrastructure. This cannot be possible unless new and sometimes unconventional methods are resorted to by the Government to discharge its duties in line with public expectations. From a country of 300+ million at the time of Independence we are nearly a billion more. How does the citizenry reasonably expect that power can be provided only through conventional means when there are other concerns too such as global warming, pollution etc. staring at us. TN has a yawning power deficit and Kudankulam is a boon esp. in the light of Dr.Ramanna's assurances on its safety features.

Of late there is lot of instigated drumming up about advantages of nuclear power plants. But an Engineer with 34 years experience in American nuclear industry says in your columns to-day: "Kudankulam is not absolutely risk free" Learner scientists like Dr. Kalam refuse to take proper lessons from Bhopal, Chernobyl or Fukushima disasters. They also ignore geological history of the lost continent of Lemuria and the fault lines on Deccan plateau, and do not know the meaning of "Idintha Karai"
After all the risks involved what is Tamilnadu going to gain out of it? A paltry percentage of power to be generated there! Now the responsibility is totally with the ADMK Government which had earlier given clearance to the dangerous proposal, discarded by other states, to stop all the work and ask the Central Govt. to close it or shift it elsewhere.

The article coming from a reknown-ed atomic scientist is informative,confident creating to, we living in Madurai, adjacent to the area of the location of the Nuclear Plant.I wish those who are protesting against the commissioning of the plant see reason.

Dr. Raja Ramanna passed away a few years back. From the email address, it appears that the author is Dr. K.S.Parthasarathy, who was once secretary of AERB.

What about the measures for safe disposal of nuclear waste? Not only in Kudankulam, but in all nuclear plants. I am not aware of any such safe and standard procedure to dispose the nuclear waste which is also dangerous, though not much radioactive. Please let me know such safe methods of disposals practiced in all the nuclear plants in the country and the ones to be used in Kudankulam. This is one of the main reasons for the resistance from the opposers of Nuclear Plants.

It is a very convincing article and it is clear that the safety requirements have been met and cleared by the regulatory agencies.Besides Dr.Kalam 'the guru' has announced the safety of the new reactors.I think we should make a bold move in this direction if we want to bridge the deficiencies in power that we face today in the form of power cuts and low voltages.This will take us a step closer to a more sustainable future, because it won't be long before we deplete the other other forms of natural resources. Even the developed countries are pushing for green measures like carbon tax, and I think it is time we say yes to the technology.

Using your own words "Exercising due diligence.."- how do we measure "diligence" Indian Navy with Engineers and officers worked with "diligence" still the terrorists sneaked into the country. There is a famous saying, "what you cannot measure, you cannot manage". What are the mistake proofing mechanisms that are in place which would automatically shut it off / disconnect in the eventuality of Tsunami greater than 9.3 m, earth quake greater than 9.2 units. How many years we need to hold the nuclear wastage? Are we hoping to get a better solution in the coming days? Already the wastage created in the sky by our dead satellites are falling on our head, now we are digging the earth to dump more dangerous wastage.Given a choice would any of the scientist swap $1 million compensation in any unforeseen event. Obviously at that time the same scientist would say it is beyond their design basis point.Our leaders would remove their glasses before the coffins to shed crocodile tears.

Another request is small or big build all reactors here. It will create more employment to our industries. AERB Specialist no need spend long time in checking safety features because it is familiar type of reators.

The technical details seem to convey a quiet confidence in the plant. But what is important to note is that two major nuclear disasters, Chernobyl and three mile Island have happened due to sheer human negligence and the third one, Fukushima should have been averted had Diachii followed the strict procedures laid down by the nuclear power plant watch dog. The real question is not how stiff or how safe the procedures are. It about how religiously will they be followed and monitored post commissioning.

good article!! necessary at this time to spread some awareness among the citizens.

Thanks for explaining safety features. I have only one question to ask. Is this reactor withstand any terrorist attack. They may attack even with small nuclear bomb. That double containment can withstand nuclear attack. Japan is continously under natural disaster. Our country contiously under terrorist attack. Some sources say terrorist having technology to build nuclear bomb. My another suggestion is create small reactors and distribute all over india including delhi( we have technology (Nuclear submarine reactor) ). This will help to avoid major accidents. Then another question our specialists trained in russia thoroughly in reactor design. Then why we have to go for Areva for another reactor. Build it here with our technology.

Thank you sir, Dr.KSP ! Like last week's Dr.APJ's article, your article has brought out some of the salient futures of KKNPP- Units. Another feather in The Hindu's cap, for bringing out the article at this juncture.Keep it up!

The writer is part of the Nuclear Establishment in India, he has scientific credentials but his entire article is clearly from the Public Relations department of the Koodankulam plant. He has not said a single thing about the storage of spent fuel as well as tons of radioactive waste that will be generated by the reactors over the years. This clearly shows his bias towards nuclear energy. We need totally independent assessments as there is no transparency in the nuclear field. Why is the nuclear field not subject to the RTI? What are the total costs incurred, is this in the public domain? How much of energy was used to build the Koodankulam plant over the past decade or more? How long will it take the reactors to make up this energy? The Government is still hoodwinking the people about the benefits of nuclear energy which is neither safe, economical or clean. The media should propose a debate rather than airing views of Government spokesman.

With due respect to Dr. Kalam- it is not the question of a scientific evaluation. it is a fight for the future of the local people . No one can play GOD by giving guarantees for the future. MAN PROPOSES GOD DISPOSSES. We should know Nuclear law passed in parliament "123 agreement" is passed with the support criminal MPs. Central Govt trying to use to demean the peoples heart beat through your good office. Central Govt can’t be trusted, as one example - None of the South Indian freedom fighter were mentioned " FREEDOM EXPRESS ". when they can’t recognise the sacrifices of great souls. How can they remember the ordinary people of Kundakulam. Look at Bopal a quarter century. How many of the people who support this plant depend on their lively hood Kundankulam village. People's request is “ Let me eat the food I have, Let me live on the land my ancestors lived, let me breath the air my ancestors did, Let me wear the cloths I have, all other developments u can keep”.

if it is so simple, why so many thousands are protesting and so educated Chief Minister is opposing. may be the hindu paper knows the correct things for TN .