K-plant emerging as a remedy for power crisis

VELLORE/ THIRUVANNAMALAI: The unscheduled power cuts prevailing across the state have led to the convergence of a focused demand for the early commissioning of the Koodankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP) by representatives from  industries, political parties and farmers’ bodies. As the demand for the commissioning of the plant gets vociferous, the agitators strongly believe that KKNPP will be a panacea for the present power crisis.A large group of representatives from Vellore District’s Small and Tiny Industries Association, the NHEL Suppliers and Ancillary Units Association, District Shoe Upper Job Works Association, Ranipet Area Saw Mill Owners Association, Automobile Maintenance Association of Ranipet, Vellore District Rice Mill Owners Association, Micro Engineering Industries Association of Thenpalli, Ambur Micro Industries Association, Perunthalaivar Kamaraj Micro Industries Association and Katpadi Industrial Estate Manufacturers Association, who gathered in front of the collectorate here on Tuesday, demanded the commissioning of the KKNPP immediately to tide over the looming power crisis in the state. They also wanted an end to unscheduled power cuts and demanded that 12 hours of uninterrupted power supply be allowed for industrial activities. The associations have also suggested a ‘power holiday’ for a day or two a week, while  uninterrupted power supply is ensured on the rest of the days.Other demands from the associations include a subsidy for diesel for power generators, extension of repayment period for bank loans availed by small industries, solar powered pump sets for farm operations and solar lighting for huts.