It is unfortunate that the commissioning of the Kudankulam nuclear power plant in Tamil Nadu is being held up due to protests by villagers of the area. Those leading the agitation and politicians supporting it should change their views as former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam has asserted, based on extensive research, that there is no need for any panic as the plant has adequate safety features.
Power plants that run on fossil fuels pollute the atmosphere with carbon dioxide, fly ash, etc. Nuclear power plants are much safer. We cannot neglect development which depends on power generation. We have to take some risk. The agitation against the Kudankulam plant should be withdrawn so that power generation can be started without delay.
V. Seetharamiah,
Bangalore
I thank Mr. Kalam and Srijan Pal Singh for their timely, informative and well-researched special essay on nuclear power (Nov. 6). It is clear that nuclear energy is the only reliable and clean source of energy for the future. Every option is associated with some risk or danger. It is not enough to put international standard safety systems in place. We must ensure that these measures are in working condition.
M.S. Suresh,
Bangalore
Those opposing the Kudankulam project should appreciate the scientific facts rather than give importance to emotional or political considerations. They should be ready for an open debate with the scientific community. The political parties of Tamil Nadu, too, should go into the merits of setting up the nuclear plant and take a leading role in addressing people's concerns.
S. Bijuram,
Palakkad
That the protesters have expressed disappointment over Mr. Kalam's unequivocal support to the Kudankulam project and rejected his endorsement of the nuclear plant is hardly surprising, considering the political nature of the protest. You can wake up a person who is asleep but not one who pretends to be asleep.
N.K. Raveendran,
Bangalore
The argument by the protesters that India should follow countries like Belgium which have closed down nuclear reactors post-Fukushima is unacceptable. They should understand that ours is a developing country with energy needs which are much more than small and developed countries.
Prasanth Balantrapu,
Vijayawada
It is easy to eliminate ignorance but very difficult to eradicate erroneously held beliefs. The former President has made a wonderful attempt to remove the fears in the minds of those agitating against the Kudankulam power project.
Many myths have hindered the progress of science in the past. When the gas stove was introduced in the 1960s, many were against it as they thought it would explode. X-rays generate radiation. Can we do away with their use? With all safety measures in place, nuclear energy is the only option for a developing country like India.
R. Kanagasabai,
Puducherry
I thank Mr. Kalam for enlightening the masses. Politicising every issue seems to be the order of the day. Kudankulam is no exception. The civilisation has grown, enlarged and sustained itself through scientific advancement and artistic achievements. India, which wants to become a superpower by 2020, needs to develop its scientific potentials to make the vision a reality.
C. Raju,
Madurai
