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Jaitapur anti nuclear community determined, despite government repression

“The project is being imposed on villagers even though over 90% people are against it.”….protestors were being tried in false cases. Another local said water pumps which were being to draw water in one of the villages were severed a few days back. Pravin Gavankar, a local activist, claimed that, “Over 191 people had been subjected to preventive arrests

Jaitapur won’t relent, The Times of India, Sandeep Ashar, TNN, Feb 26, 2011,  MUMBAI: Opposition from local villagers to the Jaitapur nuclear power plant is unlikely to recede even as chief minister Prithviraj Chavan visits the site on Saturday. Despite efforts by the government to win support of the locals for the project, most villagers are united in their demand for its cancellation……
Locals have been protesting against the project since 2006, when the state government initiated the acquisition of land process. Over 938 hectares from Madban, Niveli, Karel, Mithgavane and Varilwada villages had been acquired.

Villagers claimed the acquisition was “undemocratic and unjust”. Only 126 of the 2,335-odd families, whose land is under acquisition, have agreed to the compensation offered by the government. The protests gained ground in last year with villagers from neighbouring villages joining in. Concerns regarding loss of livelihood and the impact on health have been raised and fishermen and farmers have joined hands.
The Janhit Seva Samiti (JSS) and Konkan Vinashkari Prakalp Bachao Samiti (KVPBS) may hand over a charter of demands to Chavan. The foremost demand will be for the project’s cancellation, said Dr Milind Desai, a JSS member. He said, “The project is being imposed on villagers even though over 90% people are against it.” He demanded a public poll among villagers on the issue……
Locals have accused the district administration of using oppressive means and pressure ploys to rein in the opposition to the project.

Janhit Seva Samiti, an outfit representing local villagers, has claimed that threats were being issued to some of those spearheading the protest. The JSS has said that protestors were being tried in false cases. Another local said water pumps which were being to draw water in one of the villages were severed a few days back. Pravin Gavankar, a local activist, claimed that, “Over 191 people had been subjected to preventive arrests since the protests began in 2006.”……. Tarapur locals to join in

Even as chief minister Prithviraj Chavan interacts with people affected by the Jaitapur nuclear power plant project on Saturday, demonstrations have been planned by around 300 people affected by the atomic power plant in Tarapur. Lochan Chaudhary, who will spearhead the protest, said, “We have been suffering for four decades. But we are yet to get jobs promised to us. There are also issues regarding infrastructure and development of the region. No one from the government has cared to visit us.” Another activist, Ajit Mhatre, said, “There are health issues too. The CM has doled out a package for Jaitapur following the protest, but nothing was done for us.” NPCIL officials denied the charge.

Jaitapur won’t relent – The Times of India

February 27, 2011 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | civil liberties, India, opposition to nuclear