The Nuclear Script Thats Not Working Anymore.. by DiaNuke.org

Anamika Badal

The unprecedented and illogical harsh police action against the protests at Koodankulam beg a simple answer.

Is this justified?

When people in the area - who are the primary stake-holders in this project - are protesting so visibly, cannot the State and Central Government understand why the locals are opposing it? Why use brute police force and try to crush a popular, local agitation?

To understand this issue, try to put yourself in the shoes of a fisherman. Yes, a fisherman.

One day, you are a fisherman who has learnt the trade and business from generations… Suddenly, another day, you are asked to be a farmer instead!! Can you adapt to a life from fisherman to farmer?  And above all this, you do not even receive land for farming. That is exactly what happens when a nuclear power plant comes up in your backyard. From fisherman to farmer and from farmer to beggar… that’s what happens to the Project Affected People (PAP).

The problems with all nuclear projects in India start - and end - with not enough being given to the locally affected community. The projects simply take away lives and livelihood of these communities and leave them to fend for themselves. They have NO say in the Project. They have no say in Rehabilitation (sic). They have no say in practically ANYTHING around them. It is almost as if they are told to take a bunch of money and get lost!!