Locals are being misled on Jaitapur power project: Maha CM

Manisha Rege

Jaitapur, Feb 26 (PTI) Maharashtra Chief MinisterPrithviraj Chavan today accused "certain" political partiesand outsiders of conducting false propaganda and misleadingthe locals about the upcoming 9900 MW Jaitapur nuclear powerproject in the coastal Ratnagiri district.

Addressing the locals at Karel village near here, Chavansaid there was no basis to the objections raised by localoutfits like Janhit Seva Samiti from Madban and fishingcommunity in Sakhrinate village.

"I have received memorandum from the Samiti, thefishermen and Rajan Salvi, the Shiv Sena MLA from Rajapur.

There is no substance in the objections....if there is one percent truth in it, I am prepared to make corrections anddiscuss. This is a national project and it is the duty ofMaharashtra to stand by it," Chavan said.

Earlier, Chavan faced slogan shouting against theproject.

He said there were several nuclear reactors in othercoastal regions of the country and marine bio-diversity therehad not been harmed.

"I am not a nuclear expert, but (I am) an engineer. Ihave studied this project carefully during my six years asminister in the Prime Minister''s Office. I definitely knowmuch more than people present here," the Chief Minister said.

Chavan said it was not right to think that a ChiefMinister would ever bring a project which would harm thelocal environment and put safety, welfare of people at risk.

Without naming anybody, he alleged that "foreign powers"were not interested in India''s progress and development.

"But we will prevail."

He said he was ready to discuss objections of the locals,arisen as a result of propaganda, point by point. .