With a section of people protesting against nuclear energy in the state, the department of atomic energy (DAE) has started attracting several thousands of school and college students to turn them into campaigners for use of nuclear energy. Scientists and DAE officials are touring various parts of the state to sensitise students about the advantages of nuclear energy.
“We are having a multi-pronged approach in creating awareness among students. Scientists from Koodankulam power project, Nuclear Power Corporation of India, department of atomic energy, Federation of Science Clubs of Tamil Nadu and other organisations have been addressing students about the need for nuclear energy in the country,” J. Daniel Chellappa, a scientist from department of atomic energy, said.
“Scientists spoke to us about the paramount necessity for our country to go all out for nuclear power to become a developed nation. The Koodankulam nuclear power plant, they said, has all safety measures in place unlike the Fukushima plant,” said Akila Narayanan studying class IX in Velammal matriculation higher secondary school, Madurai.
When students were asked whether their studies were getting affected due to increased power cuts, they chorused in the affirmative. “The scientists told us that if the nuclear reactors at KKNPP go critical, it would help mitigate the problems of people in the state who are facing severe power crisis. And we can enjoy studying also,” her classmate B.Nivetha said.