Nuclear experts welcome SC order on Kudankulam

Nuclear experts today welcomed the Supreme Court's green signal to the Kudankulam nuclear project, saying it has vindicated the stand that atomic power was safe and secure.
Senior nuclear officials also see the apex Court decision as a morale booster for the nuclear industry and particularly for the numerous scientists and engineers involved in the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project.
"The Supreme Court order vindicates our stand that nuclear power is a safe and secure option to generate electricity," R S Sundar, Project Site Director, Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KNPP) told PTI.
He said the judgement would prove to be a morale booster for the entire workforce which has been working hard for completion of the project.

Sundar said he expected the first 1,000 MW unit of the KNPP to go critical this month and commercial power generation starting four week later.
Former Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Srikumar Banerjee said the view point of the proponents of nuclear energy has been vindicated by the apex Court order.

"As far as safety issues are concern, the Department of Atomic Energy would ensure that all concerns are addressed suitably," he said.
Anti-nuclear activists termed the Supreme Court order as "unjust" and declared that they would continue with their protests against the Kudankulam project.
Atomic Energy Commission member M R Srinivasan welcomed the judgement and said it would lead to the commissioning of the first 1,000 MW nuclear power unit in a "matter of weeks".