The anti-Koodankulam Nuclear Power Project (KNPP) agitation was temporarily called off by the activists on Sunday to enable people to vote in the local body elections, a representative of the protesters said, amid reports of villagers harassing employees of the plant.
"We have decided to call off the agitation temporarily so that people could participate in the local body elections tomorrow (Monday). The work at the nuclear plant has come to a stop after our recent agitation," People's Rights Movement coordinator S. Sivasubramanian said.
Reactors 'very safe'
The development comes the same day as Centre's Principal Scientific Adviser R. Chidambaram sought to allay fears of protestors, saying the reactors there are very safe and scientists have looked at all its safety aspects.
"The reactors at Koodankulam are very safe. Our scientists have looked at all safety aspects of the project and ensured it is a very safe reactor. So I hope all opposition against it will be over and the project will come up in due course," he told reporters on the sidelines of a programme in Kozhikode, Kerala.
Stating that nuclear power was an inevitable option to meet India's energy needs, he said the plant on being commissioned, would add 2,000 MW power to the national grid.
"Large developing countries have to look at all sources of power. To my mind, nuclear energy is an inevitable option for satisfying India's energy needs," he said.
"If you look at the present level of percapita electricity consumption, in my calculation you have to raise it six to eight times before India can become a developed country in the fullest sense of the term," he added.
Stranded inside the complex
A number of employees of Koodankulam Nuclear Power plant still remain stranded inside the complex due to the ongoing stir by anti-KNPP activists.
With the roads blocked by protesters, employees who had arrived to relieve those inside since yesterday were unable to enter the plant, KNPP Director Kasinath Balaji said.
"Employees of the Emergency services wing at the plant have been stuck inside since yesterday and have been provided essential supplies," he said.
For the third consecutive day, anti-KNPP protesters prevented scientists and other workers from entering the plant, but after talks with officials, they allowed delivery of essential commodities for workers staying inside the complex.
In another development, miscreants allegedly disrupted water supply to a colony close to the project site, where over 900 construction labourers reside, affecting supply to a section of dwelling units.
As the second phase of the agitation, in which 106 anti-KNPP protesters are on an indefinite fast in Idinthakarai village, entered the eighth day today, normal life was affected in at least 10 villages in and around the hamlet. Fishermen did not venture out to sea, expressing solidarity with the activists.
A top KNPP official said that fear about the nuclear plant's safety was 'unfounded' and alleged some 'mischievous elements' were deliberately spreading rumours.
Under siege?
Around 2,000 villagers, including women, have kept a vigil day and night outside the complex.
"We are under house arrest, without drinking water and even milk for children. Our stock of provisions is running out and we do not have vegetables," a housewife living inside the KNPP site in Tirunelveli district, around 650 km from here, said.
Around 1,000 people, including school-going children and the elderly, are confined to their homes at the plant site since Thursday. Around 50 school-going children have not been able to attend classes.