Kozhikode: Centre`s Principal Scientific
Adviser R Chidambaram on Sunday sought to allay fears of
anti-Koodankulam nuclear power project 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 here.
He said both Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Tamil Nadu
Chief Minister Jayalalithaa had already stated that scientists
would address the fears of locals over the project.
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.
"India and China are going for nuclear power as these
countries are energy stressed," he said.
"There are two parameters which can be used to define the
human development index -- percapita electricity consumption
and female literacy," 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 said.
He said when any energy producing system was introduced,
part of the production would go to industry, urban
consumption, small towns and villages, resulting in better
drinking water facility and sanitation. It was in this context
that one has to look at the need for nuclear power, he said.
PTI
