Kudankulam issue:'People, experts living in different worlds'

Noted agriculture scientist M S Swaminathan today said there should be continuous interaction between experts and local communities from the stage of conception of nuclear power plant to avoid situation like in Kudankulam, where locals are up in arms against the project.
"Nuclear power is environmentally benign since it does not add to the green house gas burden. On the other hand there are concerns about safety of nuclear power plants, particularly in the context Chernobyl and Fukushima disasters," he said, in his address at the fourth convocation of premier health institute JIPMER here.
Apparently referring to the persisting safety concerns of public in Kudankulam about the Indo-Russian joint venture nuclear power project, he said the technical experts and general public have been "living in different worlds" and emphasised the need for fostering continuous interaction between them and local communities.

Citizens Consultative councils would help promote more enlightened and informed discussions on the issues involved.
With the progress of science more and more such issues of public concern would grow, he said, adding, nano technology would also create fears.
"We need cadre of science communicators possessing proficiency in science and mastery of communication to disseminate public information and education", he added.