PAP firm on scrapping Jaitapur nuclear power project: Prakash Waghdare

MUMBAI: Spurning Maharashtra Government's move to increase compensation to villagers affected by the 9900 MW nuclear power project in coastal Maharashtra, a local body representing some villages near the site in Ratnagiri district, has vowed to continue their agitation to scrap the project.

The combative stand taken by the Madban, Jaitapur, Mithgavane Panchkroshi Samiti is likely to deepen further the wedge created by the state government's move.

"The project affected people want the project scrapped and shifted from Jaitapur. We will continue with our protest till the project gets cancelled. We are even ready to lay down our lives," Samiti president Prakash Waghdare told reporters today.

He claimed that PAP from villages neighbouring Jaitapur do not want more compensation and would not settle for anything less than scrapping of the project which they afraid will destroy the ecology of the region.

"The compensation will not serve any purpose. For how many days will survive with that money?" Waghdare questioned.

The state government recently decided to increase the compensation for PAP, which has created a split among the agitating villagers.

A group of leaders from Janhit Seva Samiti, which had been opposed to the project for the last seven years, announced that they will not protest anymore. This group is led by Pravin Gavankar, who had spearheaded the anti-nuclear project movement among locals earlier.

Industries Minister Narayan Rane recently claimed that local groups opposing the nuclear power project would not oppose it anymore.

Waghdare alleged that Gavankar has withdrawn after he was promised of "pecuniary gains".