CHENNAI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will decide if the operationalisation of the Koodankulam Nuclear Power Project needs to be deferred, Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs V Narayanasamy said on Tuesday.Speaking to Express after meeting the agitators against the N-plant in Tirunelveli district, Narayanasamy said he would convey the feelings of the people to the Prime Minister. “Fear of losing lives and livelihood is a major concern of the people. They also say that they were not consulted before the project was finalised. I will convey their apprehensions to the prime minister,” he said.Asked if the project operationalisation would be deferred, he said the Prime Minister alone could take a decision. “I am only his emissary.” In reply to a query, he said though the Centre had drawn up plans to generate 40,000 MW through nuclear energy by 2020, the safety of the people was of utmost importance.“There can be no compromise on safety.” On the talks with the protestors, he said: “I have urged them to give up their fast. I am hopeful of a solution.” Earlier in the day, after a meeting with the Chief Secretary Debendranath Sarangi, he told Express that fear and a sense of panic among the people was unnecessary.“The power plant has robust safety measures in place. There is no need for anxiety.It is, however, the duty of the Union government to dispel misgivings. We will do it,” he said.Stating that the State government was extending full cooperation in defusing the situation arising out of the agitation, he said the team led by him would meet Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on Wednesday. “I will apprise the PM of the CM’s views.” Talks with Chief Secretary Debendranath Sarangi were fruitful, he added.
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