Kudankulam row: You can start online campaign

BANGALORE, INDIA: Environment watchdog Greenpeace has condemned the Tamil Nadu government for using force against the villagers protesting against the Kudankulam nuclear power plant.

Greenpeace has been vocal about its support for the protesters, who have been suffering police brutality even as they were caned by the police at Kudankulam on Monday.

Hozefa Merchant of Greenpeace said the police need to stop harassing the protesters, who include women and children.

Meanwhile, Greenpeace is offering a platform for people to voice their opinions on public issues. For instance, if someone wants to start a campaign on Kudankulam row, they can do it on http://www.greenpeacex.in/. "It's a website where people can start a campaign by mentioning whom they are petitioning and what they want. Greenpeace will guide them in taking the petition forward," says Merchant.

The Kudankulam plant, which will be operational after years, will provide 2 Giga-watts of electricity. According to Hozefa Merchant, the government must initiate some immediate steps to tide over the power crisis. "Right now, Tamil Nadu faces a deficit of 4000 mega watts. But the government is not much bothered about looking into the reasons for that. Instead, it is focusing on the long-term nuclear plant."

He says Greenpeace understands the need for India to have a nuclear plant, but all that they are demanding is the government follow proper procedures. "Greenpeace understands the need for more electricity and believes there are better, safer, cheaper and cleaner options available to generate power. Nuclear power will not solve Tamil Nadu's power crisis," he said. 

Greenpeace campaigner Karuna Raina said: "The commissioning of a nuclear power plant should not happen without consensus of the stakeholders. In the case of Kudankulam, local villages are the biggest stakeholders. Since the power plant is in their backyard, their consent is required."