PARAMAANU BIDYUT BIRODHI PRACHAAR AANDOLAN

To

The Prime Minister

Republic of India                                                                              Dated: 13.10.2011

Subject: Stop going ahead with the Koodankulam Nuclear power project

Sir,

The struggle against the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KKNPP) has erupted again. One hundred and six people sitting at Idinthakarai, in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu, have converted their three-day fast into an indefinite one.

The struggle in Idinthakarai had been suspended last month. It has been re-launched in the wake of the volte-face executed by you – evident in your stunning letter to the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, dated 07.10.11. In this letter you simply evade the question of the intrinsic hazardousness of nuclear power technology and complacently write:

“Nuclear energy is one option to enhance our energy security. The Central Government will ensure that this is pursued with full regard to the safety, livelihood and security of the people.” And further “I count on your support in ensuring the timely implementation of the Kudankulam Project.”

Such complacency in a Prime Minister, entrusted with the overall welfare of the nation, is deeply regrettable. But what is outright chilling is the nonchalance with which you declare:

Are you also unaware of the serious questions raised regarding Russian reactors by the Russian state agencies themselves and the questions raised specifically regarding the Russian VVER-1000 reactors chosen for the Koodankulam site? 

“The safety track record of our nuclear power plants over the past 335 reactor-years of operation has been good.” Such a statement, stridently belied by facts, must stem from sheer ignorance. At least we must hope that it is ignorance, rather than conscious attempt at deception.

Are you also unaware of the serious questions raised regarding Russian reactors by the Russian state agencies themselves and the questions raised specifically regarding the Russian VVER-1000 reactors chosen for the Koodankulam site? These questions acquire particular urgency in the light of the recent catastrophe at Fukushima Daiichi.  

In fact your letter makes it abundantly clear that you are not interested in listening to reason and that you have committed yourself to the madness of nuclear expansion. You are unable or unwilling to appreciate that in nuclear energy we are confronted not only with an immense power, but also an incredible potential for destruction. ‘We have control’ is either an illusion or a lie where such devastatingly powerful forces are involved. The Japanese government and the Tepco officials had also gone on talking smugly of high safety standards etc., until the all time high in radioactive contamination of seawater proved them purblind fools or pathetic liars.

You may be genuinely confident. But we, as citizens and stakeholders in this nation’s welfare, do not have faith in your wisdom in this matter. In the line of our letter to you on the 13^th of the last month, we ask you to desist. Heed the voices of the people of Idinthakarai and adjoining villages and stop the project right on its tracks! We want our coast and country protected from the radioactive peril! If it is increased energy generation that you are after, look to renewables and put the nation’s money and brains to work on them on a war footing.  

We the people of West Bengal have halted the DAE’s nefarious designs in Haripur. We will continue to support the people of Tamil Nadu in their struggle against destruction camouflaging as development.

Yours

Bankim Datta       Arjun Sengupta           (Conveners)

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Contact: Arjun Sengupta  5B Premchand Boral Street, Kolkata – 700012