This refers to the protests against the Kudankulam nuclear power project and the efforts being made to address people's fears. No man-made technology can be 100 per cent safe. But that does not mean we should stop from venturing into the arena of nuclear energy, which can provide a solution to the ever increasing demand for power.
Much fear about the nuclear energy is due to the gap between science and society. People have every right to question the safety of any technology and the government must find itself ready to answer their questions through open dialogue. The need of the hour is to adopt the most stringent possible measures to avoid any Fukushima or Chernobyl-like conditions.
Ankur Goyal,
New Delhi
The need of the hour is to create awareness among the villagers surrounding Kudankulam. There is no point in forcefully operating the plant. I thank the former President, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, for his initiative to sort out the issue. We should also look at the success of nuclear energy, rather than focus on accidents alone. It is unfortunate that every development project is politicised in our country.
Akshay Abhay Chougule,
Belgaum
The article on nuclear power by the former President and eminent scientist and Srijan Pal Singh (Nov. 6) was very comprehensive. It has clearly concluded that nuclear power is our gateway to prosperity. One wishes that the information in the article is disseminated to the group protesting at Kudankulam.
D. Sankarji,
Thanjavur
Kudankulam PURA (Providing Urban Amenities in Rural Areas) scheme is a very good plan. If implemented, unlike election promises of political parties, the residents of Kudankulam would be lucky.
R. Jeganathan,
Karur
Public opinion should not be based on incorrect information or influenced by vested interests. Proper attention should be paid to the words of Mr. Kalam, an eminent scientist and a visionary. Let not haste result in a waste of resources.
M.M. Ashroff,
Chennai
Mr. Kalam, who has neither pecuniary nor political interests but cares only for national interest, has said the Kudankulam plant is safe. I am sure a majority will accept his word.
S. Rajagopalan,
Chennai
Many thanks to The Hindu for publishing the special essay on the importance of nuclear energy. It was written in such a simple language that even a layman could understand the subtle nuances of nuclear energy. I was for banning nuclear plants but changed my mind after reading the logical and elucidative essay. The government should publish it in regional language newspapers.
K.G.P. Pillai,
Kochi
Resentment among locals is inevitable when a new project is planned in any area. It is the responsibility of local political leaders to remove the fears from their minds. Mr. Kalam's 10-point programme to boost economic activity and upgrade infrastructure in villages around the Kudankulam site is commendable.
Navin Katyal,
New Delhi
The article by Mr. Kalam and Mr. Singh had me completely convinced that nuclear power is a necessity for not only India but the world. It would be wrong to follow everything the West does, including dumping nuclear power, since it is at a different cycle of development, especially with respect to manufacturing. However, I am disappointed that the former President did not use the opportunity to highlight the need for an independent and powerful nuclear watchdog, similar to the judiciary or the CAG. The fact that nuclear plants are sited far away from urban areas says the obvious. So we need to have the necessary checks and balances in order to use the valuable source of power in a safe and transparent manner.
Capt. R.G. Sivananda,
Chennai
Mr. Kalam's PURA, in return for the cooperation of Kudankulam villagers, is amusing. Will the poor villagers be denied the facilities included in the PURA scheme, if they do not cooperate?
In his special essay, Mr. Kalam himself has admitted that there is some correlation between radiation exposure and cancer risk. The long list of offers made to the villagers does not substitute the risk. No democratic government has the authority to expose its citizens to nuclear radiation.
P.R.V. Raja,
Pandalam
One is astonished as much by the protests against the Kudankulam nuclear project as by the silence all these years. With crores of rupees dumped in the plant, it would be unwise to abandon it. But the dangers from radioactivity the plant poses will remain forever, however foolproof the precautions and however remote the chances of an accident. For this generation, destined to live with the ever increasing pollution of air, water and food, the danger from radioactivity is another reality.
S. Jagathsimhan,
Attur
People's concerns over the safety of the nuclear power plant are justified because, only recently, we witnessed a huge disaster at the Fukushima power plant. Definitely, the foremost objective of the government should be to ensure safety, not power production. But we are also aware of the benefits of nuclear energy, which is cleaner and more reliable. The Kudankulam project will supply electricity to Tamil Nadu reeling under power shortage. The government should convince people that the plant is safe.
Parveen Kaswan,
Noida
Most people protesting against the nuclear installations in Kudankulam are poor fishermen, many of whom are illiterate. What they expect is not knowledge on nuclear power but safety. When Mr. Kalam cannot guarantee foolproof safety in and around the nuclear installations during a contingency, it would be better to respect people's sentiments and allow them to live in peace. Let us look at safer alternatives like solar energy to offset the power shortage.
Tharcius S. Fernando,
Chennai
