 "Kudankulam plant to go on stream in 20 days")
Power production at Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP), on the Southern part of Tamil Nadu, is expected to go on stream in the next 20 days. The state of Tamil Nadu to get 400 MW from the plant during the initial production. It may be noted, the state is facing power deficit of 4,000 MW.
Meanwhile, the anti-KNPP protesters are intensifying their protest against commissioning the Plant. Fishermen from five villages in and around the Plant have decided not to venture into the sea for fishing and lined up dharnas and other agitations.
Union Minister and Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office V Narayanasamy told reporters that initially 400 mega watts (MW) of electricity will be generated from the plant in the next 20 days and it will given to the state of Tamil Nadu. He further said after 15 days, the production of 1,000 MW of electricity will be started.
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"All parameters are working well and everything is safe in the plant," said Narayanasamy.
The Minister further said allegations raised by non-government organisations over the safety of the plant are not borne out of any truth and Scientists have said there are no security threats. The plant is very safe, said the Union Minister.
It may be noted, the project in Tamil Nadu's Tirunelveli district was hit by delays since December last following protests by locals raising safety concerns. Then later in May this year the project was given a go-ahead by the Supreme Court.
Meanwhile, the villagers largely fishermen, who are opposing the plant calling it unsafe, after the Fukushima disaster, have strengthening their agitations. Fishermen from the five villages in and around the Kudankulam Plant have decided not to venture into the sea for fishing.
The Peoples Movement Against Nuclear Energy (PMANE), which spearheads the movement, has announced a black flag demonstration in Kudankulam.