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In the wake of the Supreme Court’s green signal to the Kudankulam nuclear project, those protesting against the proposed 9,900-Mw Jaitapur nuclear project in Maharashtra are gearing to intensify their agitation.
NGOs including Raigad Bachao Samiti and Konkan District Jagruk Manch said they will launch the stir afresh to mobilise villagers against the Jaitapur project, raising security concerns. Shiv Sena, the lone political party in Maharashtra opposed to the project, also said a fresh round of agitation will be unleashed soon.
Ministers from the ruling Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party, however, downplayed opposition to the Jaitapur project. They indicated that a meeting between the state government and officials from the Nuclear Power Corporation (NPC) may take place soon to take stock of the situation.
Dr Vivek Bhid, convenor of the Raigad District Jagruk Manch, said that efforts will be made to reach out to villagers, explaining the adverse effects of Jaitapur nuclear project on them and the environment. “We will continue to mobilise people as the apex court order is not a dampner,” he noted.
Adawit Pednekar, co-convenor of the Konkan Bachao Samiti, said the NGO is studying the apex court order on the Kudankulam project. “There are some crucial observations made by the apex court with regard to welfare of the villagers, protection of environment and adherence to safety norms. As far as the Jaitapur project is concerned, we will continue our efforts to awaken villagers, especially on safety concerns. The agitation will continue and the future line of action will be decided very soon.”
However, NPC, which is developing the project, said it was carrying out the infrastructure development and corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities in the villages. Besides, construction of the compound wall for residential colony and fire station are being undertaken at the project site.
“Acquisition of 938 hectares has been already completed, while the compound wall for the site is also over. There are 2,335 khatedars (project-affected persons), of which 290 have so far collected compensation ranging between Rs 55,000 and Rs 6 lakh per hectare as per the earlier compensation package. Subsequently, the Ratnagiri district administration has launched campaign during May 6-18 for the payment of compensation of Rs 22.5 lakh per hectare as per the state government’s revised notification,” Jaitapur project director C B Jain told Business Standard.
Jain said NPC and French nuclear reactor maker Areva had signed the general framework of agreement in December 2010 and they are currently involved in the conclusion of the final works contract including the price factor. “Recent round of talks between NPC and Areva took place on April 5, while no new dates have yet to be fixed for further negotiations. Areva’s team from France may come here our NPC team may visit there,” he noted.
According to the Department of Atomic Energy officials, the department and NPC will step up drive to further extend their reach to the people, explaining that nuclear power is clean, safe and essential for the country’s energy security.
NUCLEAR DIFFUSION
- Opponents are not amused by the SC order on Kudankulam as they are firm to step up their agitation
- Meeting between representatives of Maharashtra government and NPC may take place to review the development
- The district administration has launched the drive to disburse compensation to project-affected persons
- NPC is carrying out infrastructure development at project site and CSR in the adjoining villages
- Dates for new round of negotiation between NPC and Areva yet to be fixed
