Sena opposes plan,minister admits fears

The Shiv Sena vehemently opposed the proposed Jaitapur nuclear power project while the government expressed concern over the safety aspects of the project in the wake of the nuclear emergency declared in Japan following the quake and tsunami.

The Shiv Sena vehemently opposed the proposed Jaitapur nuclear power project while the government expressed concern over the safety aspects of the project in the wake of the nuclear emergency declared in Japan following the quake and tsunami.

Speaking on the thanks-giving motion on the joint address of the Governor to the state legislature on Friday,Shiv Sena group leader in Assembly Subash Desai said while the Governors speech noted that the state was trying to address the apprehensions of the local people regarding the project,Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavans public interaction with residents opposing the project had witnessed Industries Minister (Narayan Rane) threatening the elected representatives. He said those opposing the project were being persecuted. You do not want opposing voices… you are trying to supress opposition, he said,asking the Chief Minister to clarify these issues. He pointed out that Rajapur and Jaitapur areas had witnessed 92 tremors in the past 20 years.

Kankavali MLA Pramod Jatar (BJP) alleged that the state government was indulging in repression to ensure that the nuclear power project came up. He reiterated his demand that a joint committee of the legislature,which would also include experts,be formed to study the project and submit its report to the House.

The issue was also raised in the Legislative Council,where Energy Minister Ajit Pawar said,After Japan,everyone is concerned about the safety and security of nuclear projects. Even the Prime Minister has made a statement regarding this. The security aspects are being reviewed. As administrators,we will not bring in a harmful project to the state. But there should not be opposition for the sake of opposition… After the review,if they tell us not to go ahead with the project,we will not. Stopping the project here will mean a halt to all projects in Rajasthan,Gujarat and Kerala as well. The Jaitapur site was selected after proper survey across the country.

He also said he would inquire as to why the houses of scientists working on Jaitapur nuclear power park were bring built at a distance of 25 km from the site. In our discussions so far,this issue has not been discussed; I do not have information regarding it. We will check for information on this aspect, said Pawar,adding that this aspect should not create undue fear among the local people.

Pawar said the residents were continuing their opposition to the project. We are of the opinion that no local should suffer loss due to the project. We will ensure that they are satisfied while setting up the project, he said. We will not abandon them,but people should not take an extreme stand about projects. If that happens,we will not get business and industries.

He said 131 of the total 2,335 land owners had been given a compensation of Rs 1.11 crore. As many as 17 project-affected persons had accepted jobs in the project,of which 16 had taken them up while one will join in June 2011 after completing ITI training. This was given as per the old compensation package. Once the new package is announced,they will also get additional benefits.

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