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The Supreme Court's order quashing petitions against the Kudankulam nuclear power project has given a much-needed respite to the Nuclear Power Corporation (NPC). In an interview with Sanjay Jog, project site director R S Sundar speaks about the project’s safety and its future.
How important is the Supreme Court order, especially when you are busy with the commissioning of phase-I of Kudankulam project?
The apex court’s order has vindicated our stand that the project is safe and secure. The order has also upheld the judgement delivered earlier by the Madras High Court clearing the project and also the recommendations of the review committees appointed by the Centre and the Tamil Nadu government. Today’s order is certainly a morale booster for the workforce, working quite hard for completion of the project.
However, project opponents and villagers are against the project. How will they be taken on board with today's order?
NPC will prove to the nation that the Kudankulam project is quite safe and secure. I appeal to the people in the neighbourhood to carefully read the orders of the Supreme Court, the High Court and also the review committee reports and come on board in the larger interest of the nation. NPC is trying its level best in a small way to add to the country’s power capacity.
How do you recall the protests by NGOs and villagers?
The agitations and protests launched by the local villagers and other organisations were quite painful for us. It was as if NPC was committing some sin. However, today’s order will further help NPC to instill confidence among the people in the neighbourhood and also boost the morale of the workforce.
What is the present status of the project?
We hope the first phase of 1,000 Mw to go critical by the end of May. After that, it will need another 25 days to start generation.
When will the first phase be operational?
NPC is in the process of acquiring necessary clearances from the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board for the project to go critical and, subsequently, to commence power generation.
