Whatever may be the reasons , it is absolutely important that Tamil Nadu Chief minister must clearly state her views on Koodankulam nuclear power plant. If she would simply say that the views of the local people should matter, then she should take some steps immediately to assess the views of the local people , particularly in a situation that there are many people today in area around Koodankulam who seem to think that the project should be commissioned even as there are people who oppose the plant.
l by N. S. Venkataraman
(February 05, Chennai, Sri Lanka Guardian) Almost every one in Tamil Nadu is now discussing about the need or otherwise of the Koodankulam nuclear power plant. But , the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, who happens to be the most important person in Tamil Nadu today, is strangely silent on this crucial issue.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister is known to make combative observations and sharp comments without mincing words on several issues facing the state. She often gives an impression that she would not spare her political opponents and would not hesitate to treat them with contempt, if she thinks it is necessary. Her recent remarks and observations on Mullai periyar dam, the problems of the Tamil fisher men facing attacks from Sri Lankans, Katchathivu issue, central state relations etc. are very sharp that reveal her style of functioning and political approach on various subjects. However, on the Koodankulam nuclear plant issue, she has chosen to remain silent, which appears to be so unlike her.
Many people in Tamil Nadu want to know as to how she would deal with the Koodankulam nuclear power plant. Would she not mind if the Rs.13000 crore Koodankulam nuclear plant would be scrapped and given up for good, irrespective of the serious and severe power crisis now faced by Tamil Nadu.
After initially viewing the Koodankulam nuclear plant faovurably, she reversed her stand , which she is entitled to do , and said that the plant should start functioning only if the fears of the local people would be allayed to their satisfaction. But, her government has not taken any steps to assess the views of the local people or convince them about the safety standards of the Koodankulam nuclear plant. It is reported that the top nuclear scientists have not been able to get even an appointment with her to present their case in person and dispel any lack of understanding on this issue of far reaching significance.
All these make many people think that there can be more than what meet the eye. This is not a healthy situation.
Many people in the street( the common men who freely express their inconsequential views on any matter in personal discussions or local meetings) seem to be of the view that if only the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister were to desire , the Koodnkulam plant can be commissioned immediately. Perhaps, this view is due to the fact that her party enjoys overwhelming majority in the state assembly, the opposition parties are weak and divided and she virtually remains unchallenged in the political space of Tamil Nadu today. But, it appears that Tamil Nadu Chief Minister who is not speaking on the Koodankulam issue is not hearing the voice of the common man also in this issue.
Whatever may be the reasons , it is absolutely important that Tamil Nadu Chief minister must clearly state her views on Koodankulam nuclear power plant. If she would simply say that the views of the local people should matter, then she should take some steps immediately to assess the views of the local people , particularly in a situation that there are many people today in area around Koodankulam who seem to think that the project should be commissioned even as there are people who oppose the plant.
The ground reality is that hundreds of tiny and small scale industries in Tamil Nadu are now remaining closed and jobs are being lost due to severe power cut. In Chennai city , there is compulsory power cut for one hour duration every day and it extends five to six hours in smaller towns and rural areas. Thousands of manhours are being lost and Tamil Nadu can ill afford this situation. This is causing serious set back to the short term and long term industrial and economic progress of the state.
Many people in the country criticize the Prime Minister for his silence on many critical issues which is costing the country dearly. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister appears to be following the footsteps of the Prime Minister , as far as the Koodankulam issue is concerned.
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