Govt should make efforts to allay fears on Koodankulam plant

COIMBATORE: With power cut back to five hours and various trade and industrial association in the region joined together and appealed both Tamil Nadu and Central Governments to make efforts to remove fears of people in and around Koodankulam Nuclear Power Plant and commission the project as scheduled.

The power-starved industries in the region were pinning hopes on this project for sustained power, Coimbatore District Small Indusrties Association (CODISSIA) and M Krishnan, President, local chapter of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, told reporters here today.

The 960 MW power that was to be generated in the first two phases of the plant could be a life saver for the industries, particularly MSMEs, who always faced severe financial loss and closure of their units due to acute shortage of power and frequent voltage problems, Kandhasamy said.

State government should come forward to take all precautionary and safety measures for smooth functioning of the project and extend support to the Centre for the implementation of the plant, Krishnan said.

They said the associations have sought an audience with Chief Minister Jayalalithaa to appraise her about the power problem being faced by the industries.