Agitators spurn Kalam's approval to Kundankulam N-plant

The centre's ambitious nuclear power project at Kudankulam in Tamil Nadu suffered a major setback today as former president Kalam's endorsement of the project failed to cut much ice with the protesting villagers.

Kalam who is also known as the father of India's missile programme, visited the nuclear plant yesterday and said that the plant faced no threats from tsunami. adding that he was happy with the safety regulations incorporated.

He said he was fully convinced about the safety features of the plant, which was the safest with its third-generation safety mechanisms in place. He added it was safe from natural disasters too. His comments came after a long, detailed interaction with scientists, engineers and officials of Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd at the plant site.

The former president, however, sought to clarify that he was not a mediator between the government and the villagers, and that his visit was only as a scientist.

Meanwhile, the Communist Party of India, in a sharp reaction to Kalam's endorsement of the nuclear project said, Kalam was a 'nuclear man' and would only be expected to support the KNPP.

"Former President APJ Abdul Kalam is a nuclear man and would only support and advocate for the nuclear plant at Koodankulam, which the villagers are opposing," CPI national secretary D Raja told reporters.