SC: Why safety not a priority in K-plant

Nov 21, 2012 |

New Delhi

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The Supreme Court on Tuesday pulled up the Tamil Nadu government for dismal disaster management preparedness at the Kudankulam nuclear power plant in the state, saying the “lethargic” attitude of the authorities could cost several lives in the event of a mishap.

Making it clear that there could be no compromise on safety of the people living in the vicinity of the nuclear plant, a bench of justices K. S. Radhakrishnan and Dipak Misra came down upon the Tamil Nadu government for absence of a substantial evacuation plan and directed it to submit a disaster management plan before the court.

Warning the government that “if you do not put (in place) safety measures then we will have to pass order,” the bench directed that mock drills be carried out covering all the 40 villages situated within 16 km radius of the plant. The apex court also directed that all safety measures to deal with a disaster must be put in place at the power plant before it is operationalised. Lashing out at the government, the bench said, “How and where will they (people) be evacuated (in the event of an accident)? Your attitude seems to be lethargic... We want seriousness from you.”

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