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Maharashtra government and Nuclear Power Corporation (NPC) have received a much needed respite after key non government associations and persons opposing the proposed 9,900 MW nuclear project at Jaitapur have withdrawn from their agitation.
Both the state government and NPC have reiterated that they are open to hold talks on various concerns about Jaitapur project. Janhit Seva Samiti, a leading NGO founder Pravin Gavankar decided to disassociate the anti Jaitapur agitation which was launched about 10 years ago.
Industries minister Narayan Rane was instrumental to bring all organizations at one platform to discuss their grievances. He assured to organize meeting within a fortnight with the state chief minister Prithviraj Chavan to consider about 25 demands.
Even though the early works contract was signed between Nuclear Power Corporation and Areva for the initial supply of two evolutionary pressurized reactors (EPRs) of 1,650 MW each in December 2010, both the companies have yet to close the final works and commercial contract.
A senior government official told Business Standard "A separate cell is being opened in the Ratnagiri district collector's office for the resolution of land related issues faced by project affected persons (PAPs). Payment of compensation for kin and kith of deceased PAPs will start from September 2. Villagers have demanded withdrawal of police cases against agitators, PAPs be entitled for subscribing to the share capital of the company, PAPs be given priority in government jobs. Besides, PAPs want NPC to bear the educational expenses of their children and provide small contracts to unemployed youths after providing them vocational training.'' The official informed that these demands will be taken up for discussion during meeting with Chavan.
On the other hand, NPC official said so far about 600 of the total 2,335 land-holders have collected cheque towards compensation. The state government has approved a compensation of Rs 22 lakh per hectare. ''This is a revised compensation as earlier it was ranging between Rs 25,000 to Rs 6.5 lakh per hectare depending on quality of land. Nearly 938 hectare is acquired for the Jaitapur project.
NPC official informed that "Currently, we are in the midst of development of technology independent site infrastructure and conduct geo technical examination which is at advance stage. Besides, meteorological data is collected.''
However, Shiv Sena, which has come to the picture recently, announced to continue its anti Jaitapur agitation. Similarly, Konkan Bachao Samiti and fishermen are set to lauch their agitations soon against the project.
