PM allays fears over safety of Kundankulam nuclear power plant

Prime minister Manmohan Singh today tried to allay concerns over the safety of the Kundankulam nuclear power plant, saying the government attached the highest importance to ensuring that nuclear power plants in the country meet the highest safety standards.

The government, he said, fully shares the concerns of the people of the area and will take all steps to allay their fears.

He said the government would not compromise on safety in the pursuit of the country's nuclear energy programme, be it in terms of technology, regulation, skilled manpower or emergency preparedness.

"Nothing will be done that would threaten the safety or livelihood of any section of society, particularly those living in the vicinity of a project," he said.

He also announced the constitution of a small group of experts to look into the matter since the issues raised were technical in nature and required in-depth discussion. The group comprising experts, including members of the Tamil Nadu government, will interact with representatives of the people of the region to satisfy all their legitimate concerns.

The prime minister has also written a letter to the Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa on the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant issue.