Maharashtra CM Chavan ready to hold discussions over Jaitapur project

MUMBAI - Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan commenting on the ongoing controversy surrounding the 9,900 mega watt Jaitapur power plant, on Tuesday said he would never allow unsafe reactors to be set up in the state, and added that he would hold discussions over the issue.

Trying to restore peace on the agitated issue, Chavan said he is ready for holding open discussions on the issue.

“We, from the side of state government, would never like that any unsafe technology comes to our state because we have the experience of having a nuclear reactor in the country. In Maharashtra state itself there are six reactors working. This is very stupid to say that it would be unsafe and the cheap politics that is being played against the setup of the reactor,” said Chavan.

“This is our responsibility to provide with the correct information to common public. We will hold discussions regarding this in Mumbai in which experts of atomic research, officials of the company in the presence of media persons and non-government organisations,” he added.

Chavan expressing his displeasure further clarified those spreading negative news about the nuclear reactor should talk only once the facts are placed on the table.

“I want to clarify that anyone who is spreading negative news about the nuclear reactor should not be done and one should talk about it only once the facts are placed on table. If there are any issues raised against this then we would surely talk about it and any kind of politics regarding this should not be done,” he said.

The Jaitapur nuclear power complex is located in the ecologically sensitive coastal Maharashtra region, which includes Raigad, Sindhudurg and Ratnagiri districts.

Nuclear Power Corporation of India is building the 9900-megawatt power plant - said to be the world’s largest - in collaboration with French nuclear designing firm Areva.

The Union Environment Ministry had last month given a conditional go-ahead to the plant. However, it is facing staunch opposition from the locals who fear environmental degradation in the fragile Konkan area. (ANI)