India's Koodankulan nuclear plant safe, former Indian President Kalam

Koodankulam (Tamil Nadu, India), Nov 7 (PTI) Former Indian President A P J Abdul Kalam has fully backed the operation of the nuclear ower plant at Koodankulam in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, saying it was "safe" and was needed for the development of Tamil Nadu's economy. "The plant is safe in all aspects. There is no need to worry about the safety aspect of the plant, as it is in a low frequency seismic zone. There is also no threat of a Tsunami as the plant is 1,300 km away from the seismic centre point. Besides, the plant is 13.5 metres above sea level," the former Indian president who has also been a scientist administrator of the country said. Kalam, who hails from Tamil Nadu and who is now in Koodankulam to allay fears about the safety of the plant, held discussions with scientists and engineers of the Indo-Russian joint venture, including India's Nuclear Power Corporation Chairman S K Jain. Kalam's visit comes amid the continuing standoff on the Rs 136 billion (about USD 2.8 billion) project, whose first unit was scheduled to be commissioned in December. Officials said the agitation by locals against the project has upset the scheduled commissioning. The Koodnakulam nuclear project being built with Russian technology and equipment as of now envisages setting up of two 1000-MWe pressurised heavy water reactors for power generation. Asked if he would mediate with the protestors, Kalam said he had not come for that purpose. "I came here to know about the safety aspect of the plant and I will convey my opinion to the officials concerned, the committee and government." However, he expressed his willingness to clarify any doubts or questions raised by the people over the plant. "The agitation against the plant is unnecessary as it will help in the development of Tamil Nadu in a big way," he said. "People should have confidence in the government, in the experts and engineers who are building the plant," he said. He said all safety aspects have been provided, including automatic cooling of the plant in the event of generator failure after power goes off, 'double wall' protection for plant workers inside and outside, structural safety and container to store the 25 per cent residual fuel from the plant. Kalam said he was also sure that there would be no damage to the surrounding environment with the setting up of the plant. The former President said 'bath tub' facility has been provided to flush core melt waste. "There is a solution in the tub which will take care of all radiation problems. There will be no radiation at all. The workers inside and outside the plant are 100 per cent safe." Noting that six nuclear accidents have occurred so far, he said, "I can say there is no chance for the plant here to get affected in any way by earthquakes or Tsunami." PTI Caption for pic: Former President A P J Abdul Kalam addressing a press conference after meeting with nuclear experts and engineers of the Koodankulam Nuclear Power plant (KKNPP) on Sunday. Also in the picture is Director KKNPP, Kasinath Balaji (L) and Nuclear Power Corporation Chairman, S.K.Jain (R). PTI Photo