Given the power situation in the State, the Central and State Governments must take steps to ensure that the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KNPP) is commissioned soon, Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) president B.S. Gnanadesikan said here on Wednesday.
“The extreme power crisis experienced in the State, if allowed to continue any further, could jeopardize the industrial and agricultural growth,” he told reporters, and urged political parties to come out with a clear stand on the project.
“I am not expecting any statements from parties which exist merely on letterheads but only want to know the stand of those political parties that are recognised by Election Commission. Such recognised parties should clarify whether they support the project and if not, make it clear why they oppose,” he said.
According to him, it was unfortunate that a small group of people was opposing the project without understanding the benefits of nuclear energy.
The Congress would launch a campaign to commission the project if the stalemate continued.
“Countries such as China and France are making big economic strides because of the use of nuclear energy in industrial and farm activities,” he said.
To a question on more Central funds for power projects in the State, he said, “The TNCC will support any proposal by the State Government to seek funds from the Centre for the overall development of Tamil Nadu.”
Mr. Gnanadesikan said the State Government should continue with the steps to curtail pilferage and transmission losses in order to save energy.
