Activists demand scrapping of thermal, nuclear plants in Konkan

Mumbai, Apr 9 (UNI) Fearing the adverse effects of the proposed four thermal and one nuclear plants in the Konkan belt of coastal Maharashtra on their livelihoods and crops, locals and social activists of the Konkan Bachoo Samiti today demanded scrapping of the projects.

Addressing the media here, Com Sanjay Singhvi and other activists of the Konkan Bachao Samiti said once the proposed projets become operational the cash crops like mangoes and cashew nuts, fishing and foodgrains in the region would be spoiled, thereby affecting the livelihood of the locals.

He said the projects are being started forcibly by acquiring the fertile land of the farmers and the government is a party to it.

''The farmers are forcibly evacuated from their lands and are promised jobs in the plants, but there is no confirmation or any agreement regarding the same,'' said Mr Singhvi.

Dr Sulabha Brahme, who is part of the committee of the Samiti, said the uranium and coal required for the nuclear and thermal plants would be imported, thus increasing the cost of power to be used in the state.

The activists said they would hold agitations against the government and submit memorandums to the collectors of Mumbai, Ratnagiri and other districts in the coming months against the projects and see to it that the projects are scrapped.

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