CHENNAI: The people's struggle against the Koodankulam Nuclear Power Project (KNPP) in Tamil Nadu enters its 100th day Thursday.The
movement against the two 1,000 MW reactors being built by the Nuclear
Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) in Tirunelveli district's
Koodankulam area, about 650 km from here, began Aug 16 at Idinthakarai
and is spearheaded by the People's Movement Against Nuclear Energy
(PMANE)."The anti-KNPP struggle began Aug 16 and Thursday will
be the 100th day. We will be conducting a blood donation camp at
Idinthakarai, near Koodankulam," M. Pushparayan, convener of the Coastal
People's Federation and a PMANE leader, told IANS.The struggle
is now in its third phase as there were two breaks in the relay fast -
the first between Sep 21-Oct 9 and the second break on Oct 17 for the
local governing body elections.Villagers fear for their lives
and safety in case of any nuclear accident and the long-term impact the
nuclear plant would have on the population.Their agitation has
put a stop to the project work, thereby delaying the commissioning of
the first unit by several months and increasing the project cost from
the budgeted Rs.13,171 crore.The staying power of the activists and the support from the local people has put the spotlight on Koodankulam. "Once
the fishermen decide on a thing, they remain steadfast. As to the
funds, the fishermen's association in each village chips in with funds.
There are no major expenses for us except water and the tent. It is a
fasting protest so there is no expense on food," Pushparayan said.He said fishing villages which participate in the relay fast take care of the expenses for their team.Activists
are upset that their protest is being termed anti-national by some
quarters and that police are booking cases against the demonstrators. Tirunelveli police have booked cases against the protestors for trespassing and also for waging war against the nation."Let
the authorities put up glowing buoys so that fishermen know the line of
demarcation. Anti-nuclear power does not mean anti-national,"
Pushparayan remarked.
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