Appeal against nuclear power project

Thiruvananthapuram, September 15, 2012 : THE HINDU

Activists of the Kerala Swathanthra Matsya Thozhilali Federation
destroyed model of the Kudankulam nuclear power plant at a
demonstration in Thiruvananthapuramon

Fish workers’ bodies plan agitation

September 17 to be observed as protest day

Kerala Swathantra Matsya Thozhilali Federation (KSMTF) and the
National Fishworkers Forum (NFF) have urged the State and Union
governments to drop the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project and set up
wind farms along the coast to generate power.

Addressing reporters here on Thursday, T. Peter, secretary, NFF; P.P.
John, State president, KSMTF; and J.P. John, district president;
questioned the motive of locating the nuclear plant in the densely
populated Kudankulam coast. Highlighting the possibility of a nuclear
accident as the major cause for concern, they feared that the constant
discharge of hot water into the sea from the plant would deplete fish
stocks.

KSMTF and NFF were embarking on a State-wide agitation from Friday to
express solidarity with the ongoing stir against the project. Fish
workers and their families would take out a march to the Secretariat
here on Friday and stage a dharna. The agitation would be extended to
other districts over the next few days. NFF would observing September
17 as protest day in New Delhi and in coastal States.

KSMTF urged the State government to adopt a stand against nuclear
plants. Mr. John said the oceanarium project in Kochi showcased at the
Emerging Kerala meet would pose a threat to the fisheries sector.

The office-bearers said the Chief Minister’s announcement that the
coastal waters would be opened up for movement of cargo vessels had
led to concern among fishermen who used gillnets along the coast from
Thiruvananthapuram to Kasaragod. Mr. John urged the government to
restrict the movement of cargo vessels beyond the 12-nautical-mile
limit.