MASSIVE PEOPLE’S PROTEST AGAINST KOODANKULAM NUKE PLANT

CHENNAI, Sept 20 (Bernama) -- Fearing nuclear calamity, thousands of
villagers have rallied to halt the operations of the Koodankulam nuclear power
plant in Tamil Nadu, as 103 protesters Tuesday marked the 10th day of their
indefinite hunger strike.

Villagers from neighbouring districts, backed by thousands of anti-nuclear
activists, want the state to shut down the newly-constructed Koodankulam plant,
located in Tirunelvelli district, about 650km from Chennai.

"Their demand is to close down the plant, they do not want the plant here.
Villagers are concerned over safety aspects, people are more aware of the
implications, after the Fukushima tragedy (March 2011).

"The radioactive waste will be dumped into the sea that will threaten marine
lives. Many villagers here depend on fishing, this could harm their livelihood,"
M. Pushparayan, core member of the People's Movement Against Nuclear Energy
told Bernama Tuesday.

Upon completion, the US$3 billion plant constructed by Nuclear Power
Corporation of India Limited will be the country's largest nuclear power
generation complex.

Tamil Nadu, one of India's most politically stable and fast progressing
states, is in dire need of electricity to rev its industrial growth. However,
supply shortage often leads to major power outages.

Tamil Nadu Electricity Board data shows power generation was at 7,300 MW but
demand hits nearly 11,000 MW during sweltering summer -- meaning a shortfall of
nearly 3,700 MW.

To tide over the massive public outcry, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J.
Jayalalithaa wrote to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday, to halt work
in the plant, until an amicable solution was found.