PM blames US NGOs for nuclear protest

In an interview to Science magazine, which appeared on Friday, the PM said: "What's happening in Kudankulam...the atomic energy programme has got into difficulties because these NGOs, mostly I think based in the United States, don't appreciate the need for our country to increase the energy supply."

He gave the interview to Science Editor of NDTV Pallava Bagla where he categorically blamed the NGOs from USA and Scandinavia for stoking the protests against nuclear plants and genetically modified foods by use of biotechnology.

"Biotechnology has enormous potential and in due course of time we must make use of genetic engineering technologies to increase the productivity of our agriculture. But there are controversies. There are NGOs, often funded from the United States and the Scandinavian countries, which are not fully appreciative of the development challenges that our country faces," Dr Singh said.

Kundankulam, the site of an India-Russia joint venture nuclear power plant project in Tamil Nadu, went on a full scale protest mode, days after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh promised Russia that the project will be operationalised in a couple of weeks.

The villagers in and around the area in Tirunelveli district, which 614 km from state capital Chennai, took out rallies.

The villagers said the plant is not safe and demanded that the uranium brought there be removed.

S P Udayakumar, the coordinator of the People's Movement Against Nuclear Energy, said they would not let the government proceed with the project that risked their lives.

In 2011, black flags were shown and hunger strikes were announced by the locals following Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's assurance to Russian authorities that the Kudankulam row would be resolved soon and it would be operational in a couple of weeks.

Prime Minister Singh said that the Rs 14,000 crore project "cannot be simply left idle" because it will solve the power problem of Tamil Nadu.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa has written letters to the PM to allay the people's fears on safety.

Villagers had first began the protest last year, resorting to hunger strikes and later continued with the agitation in various forms against the nuclear plant.

Even though India’s Department of Atomic Energy had cleared the Rs 13,000-crore project, locals and environmental organisations, including Greenpeace, have raised concerns over the project's use of purportedly risky Russian technology.

Anti nuc protest is getting tired!!!!

With the expert panel constituted by the Jayalalithaa government to study the safety of the Kudankulam nuclear power plant (KKNPP) giving it a clean chit, the protest story is practically over.
Almost all political parties have asked for the commissioning of the plant. The latest to join them is the state unit of the CPM. The state is reeling under one of its worst power crises with the industrial and agricultural belts literally gasping for breath. There is absolutely no choice but to get as much power as possible from all possible sources.

 

The PMANE had earlier thought that the state government was on its side. Screengrab/ibnlive

To rub salt into the wounds of the protestors, the People’s Movement Against Nuclear Energy (PMANE), the state government panel has called the KKNPP “world-class,” “which can even withstand a Tsunami or an earthquake.” The panel said the plant is completely safe and not even a fish will die in its coastal vicinity.
The PMANE had earlier thought that the state government was on its side and the real villains were the imperialist centre, ministers V Narayanasamy, P Chidamabaram and the Congress. To their misfortune, this is not the time to play politics for the state government, although it tried a bit initially. They need power and more power at any cost.
The question now is what will happen to PMANE that has been on a warpath against the KKNPP since late last year?
And how does the Jayalalithaa government deal with them?
PMANE did try a bit of amateur politics – they tried to play the nativity, pro-state government and anti-Centre card, but has now been shunned by every political party, loathed by farmers and industries and kept away even by the state government. Jayalalithaa, acutely in need for power, is highly unlikely to go back on her word that her government will decide on the future of the plant based on her panel’s advice. The panel not only cleared the plant, but also paid glowing tributes to its safety features.
So, these are the three scenarios that the PMANE is likely to face:
1. PMANE accepts defeat and the movement loses steam naturally. Or they find some excuse to withdraw themselves based on some compromise assurance by the state government. If this happens, this will be only a face-saving exercise to get out of the way. They will have to fold up and leave in due course. At the moment, odds are reasonably high against such a scene.
2. PMANE loses support from local villagers and the agitation dies down sooner than later. Possibility for such a situation is 50:50.
3. PMANE continues the strike, including blockades, even when the state and central governments decide to move ahead. In such a case, it becomes a law-and-order issue. Perhaps this is most likely to happen and Jayalalithaa government would have already factored this in. Even in such a situation, if the leadership is removed from the spot, the agitators will not be able to sustain themselves.
The next steps are going to be extremely interesting because this will be a case in point for many such agitations in the country. With the state government on its side, the Centre will find it easy to move ahead.
The state has a frustrating daily power-deficit of 4000 MW, which is impossible to bridge in the near future. Chennai’s two-hour power cut is soon to be extended by another hour. The western region is still experiencing day-long power cuts. There is no power in the market and there is no money at hand to buy, even if it is available. Even getting transmission lines to bring power from afar, if possible or available, is not easy.
Power has never been such a political issue in the state which is really aiming big. And those who stand in the way are seen as an “obstacle to progress.”

Koodangulam Nuc.Plant Safety aspects

Use coal or gas at Koodankulam’

Having been invited to be part of the ‘Expert Group’ formed by those opposing the Koodankulam Nuclear Power Plant, I thought I must put forth my views.

I believe that KKNPP is caught in a web of controversies, all man-made. The way Government of India, PMO, Atomic Energy Commission and the Nuclear Power Corporation are handling the matter is at best amateurish and at worst arrogant. I am of the view that the issue should be approached in a holistic manner and not by pitting pro and anti-nuclear people against each other.

The latest to enter the fray is former President A P J Abdul Kalam with his total commitment to nuclear energy and his 10-point Koodankulam PURA (Providing Urban Amenities in Rural Areas) proposal. He has now emerged as the rallying point for the counter-protestors who are gathering strength and media is also increasingly taking pro-nuclear stance. I believe it is time the protestors should advocate alternatives instead of endlessly repeating what they have been saying.

In this matter, I have the following suggestions to make for arriving at a viable action plan, wherein people’s fear could be assuaged and more than adequate power could be generated in the very area where the nuclear plant is located:

1. KKNPP has not yet gone critical, meaning fuel has not been loaded and fired. Central Government should therefore seriously consider fuel-switching from nuclear to coal or gas.

According to energy experts, this is very much feasible. Only that the reactor need to be replaced by boiler and if necessary have a turbine also. Some port/logistic work would also be needed to bring coal/gas. These would no doubt entail some additional cost and time. But it is worth it.

2. The nearby areas comprising Kanyakumari, Thoothukudi and Tirunelveli districts have large wind farms with installed capacity of about 4,000 MW. When these were installed, 1 MW power generation required 4 acres of land. Now, with latest technology, the requirement is just 1 acre for 1 MW. By adopting modern technology, large amount of land used for wind mills could be released and solar power projects that could generate up to 2,000 MW power could be set up there.

3. Being dry and arid, the area is suitable for large scale ‘energy plantations’ and biomass-based power plants could be installed.

4. All the three - wind, solar, biomass - combined can provide hybrid-power which can be drawn for 24 hours and combined with fuel switching of KNPP there will be enough and more power to satisfy the needs of Tamil Nadu and even export to other states. Energy efficiency and conservation could be added to this holistic package. This could bring prosperity and boom to the local economy and PURA would take place on its own without depending on government mercy.

This calls for sincere and war-like efforts by TN state government, duly supported by the Central Government and institutions.

Government of India should approach this sensitive but explosive issue with a open mind and not a cloistered ‘nuclear-power  only’ mindset by fielding heavyweights like A P J for crushing the anti-nuclear protests
Retired IAS officer and ex-chairman of Haryana State Electricity Board

Near by plant

Koodankulam is on of the Village in Radhapuram Taluk , Tirunelveli District , Tamil Nadu State . Koodankulam is located 50.6 km distance from its District Main City Tirunelveli . It is located 602 km distance from its State Main City Chennai .

Other villages in Radhapuram Taluk are Anaikarai , Anaikudi , Chidambarapuram , Edayankudi , Karaisuthu Ovari , Karisuthu Pudur , ... . .

Koodankulam Pin Code is 627651 and Post office name is . Other villages in ( 627651 , ) are Koodankulam , Kuttam , Mudumuthanmozhi , .

Towns Near By Valliyoor(13.7 k.m.) ,Nanguneri(24.9 k.m.) ,Kalakadu(30.7 k.m.) ,Cheranmahadevi(47.3 k.m.) ,

Colleges near by Koodankulam

1 . Sardar Raja Community College
Address : raja nagar a vadakkangulam radhapuram tirunelveli 627 116 tamil nadu.

2 . SA Rajas Pharmacy College
Address : raja nagar a vadakkangulam radhapuram tirunelveli 627 116 tamil nadu.

3 . Pasumbon Muthuramalinga Thevar College, Melaneelithanallur
Address : ;tirunelveli.

Schools near by Koodankulam

1 . T.D.T.A. St.ANDREW S HIGH SCHOOL.

2 . D D Vinyer School

3 . NVC Goverenment Higher Secondary School

Wind mill@koodangulam

Near by plant

Koodankulam is on of the Village in Radhapuram Taluk , Tirunelveli District , Tamil Nadu State . Koodankulam is located 50.6 km distance from its District Main City Tirunelveli . It is located 602 km distance from its State Main City Chennai .

Other villages in Radhapuram Taluk are Anaikarai , Anaikudi , Chidambarapuram , Edayankudi , Karaisuthu Ovari , Karisuthu Pudur , ... . .

Koodankulam Pin Code is 627651 and Post office name is . Other villages in ( 627651 , ) are Koodankulam , Kuttam , Mudumuthanmozhi , .

Towns Near By Valliyoor(13.7 k.m.) ,Nanguneri(24.9 k.m.) ,Kalakadu(30.7 k.m.) ,Cheranmahadevi(47.3 k.m.) ,

Colleges near by Koodankulam

1 . Sardar Raja Community College
Address : raja nagar a vadakkangulam radhapuram tirunelveli 627 116 tamil nadu.

2 . SA Rajas Pharmacy College
Address : raja nagar a vadakkangulam radhapuram tirunelveli 627 116 tamil nadu.

3 . Pasumbon Muthuramalinga Thevar College, Melaneelithanallur
Address : ;tirunelveli.

Schools near by Koodankulam

1 . T.D.T.A. St.ANDREW S HIGH SCHOOL.

2 . D D Vinyer School

3 . NVC Goverenment Higher Secondary School

Nuclear power plants - Advantages and disadvantages

Since United States obviously seriously considers building new nuclear power plants in years to come (even despite the recent nuclear disaster in Japan) I reckon it would be a good idea to discuss the main advantages and disadvantages of nuclear power plants. The most important issue is of course the safety of the new nuclear power plants. When discussing the safety of new nuclear power plants then it's important to say that nuclear power plants have significantly improved their safety in the last few decades which means that nuclear disasters like Chernobyl and Three Miles Island are almost impossible to happen again, though a situation similar to what happened in Japan remains possibility, even with the improved designs and other advanced technological aspects.

All newly built nuclear power plants need to satisfy maximum safety standards, and the newest nuclear reactor designs really ensure maximum safety by applying the concept of the negative feedback loop, which ensures that as the nuclear reactor's power output increases, it becomes more and more harder to squeeze any more power out of it, meaning that nuclear chain reaction that could lead to nuclear reactor explosion is almost impossible to happen. Though this design is not totally foolproof it is much safer compared to the older designs. Of course there are still many older nuclear power plants that still use the older design, but even they ensure the maximum safety as there hasn't been any major accident since Chernobyl.

Nuclear power plants do not need fossil fuels to produce electricity, and this means that they do not release harmful carbon emissions that contribute to pollution and climate change problem. Since there are no carbon emissions nuclear power is also considered clean energy source just like solar, wind or geothermal energy.

In order to properly operate nuclear power plants require nuclear fuel. Nuclear fuel mostly used in nuclear power plants in uranium though some nuclear power plants also use plutonium. Uranium is plentiful in United States, and building more nuclear power plants would therefore contribute to better energy independence as there would be reduced need for importing expensive foreign fuels.

Nuclear power plants operate very efficiently and reliably. Their efficiency is comparable to coal power plants, and once they are built they are extremely reliable given that there's enough uranium to feed them, and as already said there is plenty of uranium in United States.

The main disadvantage of nuclear power plants is no doubt nuclear radioactive waste that has lifespan of more than 5000 years so more new nuclear power plants will mean more radioactive waste, and current nuclear waste storage options definitely do not ensure totally safe storage for the next 5000 years or so.

Another disadvantage are relatively high construction costs, and there is also the high number of licenses that need to be obtained prior and during the construction which significantly prolong construction time but are needed to ensure the maximum safety of new nuclear power plants.

With the increased number of nuclear power plants there would also be the greater possibility of terrorist attacks so nuclear power plants need not only to ensure the maximum safety against nuclear reactor explosion but also against possible terrorist attacks.