Scrap Jaitapur N-project, say locals; people misled: Chavan

Manisha Rege

Jaitapur, Feb 26 (PTI) Protests greeted MaharashtraChief Minister Prithviraj Chavan today during his visit to theproposed Jaitapur nuclear project site, with local peopleopposing the 9,900 MW power plant.

Chavan accused "certain" political parties and outsidersof conducting false propaganda and misleading the locals aboutthe project, coming up in the coastal Ratnagiri district.

He was greeted by slogan-shouting women fromSakhrinate village during his interaction with people. Thelocal outfits like Janhit Seva Samitee from Madban village,and the fishermen from Sakrinate village asked the ChiefMinister to scrap the project.

Before the Chief Minister arrived, police asked activistVaishali Patil of Konkan Vinashkari Prakalpa Vidrohi Samiti toleave the place. They also asked those gathered to remove theblack badges they were wearing.

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

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

He said it was not right to think that a Chief Ministerwould ever bring a project which would harm the localenvironment and put safety, welfare of people at risk.

Without naming anybody, he alleged "foreign powers" werenot interested in India''s progress and development.