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Jaitapur nuclear project threatens rich agricultural region

is it fair to label the fears of the people of Jaitapur as anti-national because they do not want radioactive nuclear waste in their backyard?

Different rules for different people, Bahar Dutt, Hindustan Times, April 27, 2011 “……the problems for the people in Jaitapur are far more complex: a thriving vibrant economy, rich in natural resources, is being destabilised and only a handful of people have been offered employment…….

Let’s start by admitting that the site of the power plant is on productive agricultural land (government reports, however, label it as barren) that it will deprive 1,000 families of their farmland and 6,000 who depend on fishing for their steady income.

The Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg region is one of the resource-rich regions of the country and over the years has become famous for its Alphonso mango, cashew nuts and a thriving fish industry. Instead of developing these industries further or even cashing in on the tourism potential of the Konkan region, the two districts are being developed as a power hub.

Yet, no study has been done on the cumulative impact of so many big power projects in a small region that has over 65,000 hectares of land under Alphonso and 90,000 hectares under cashew cultivation.

Already, the locals are alleging that the JSW thermal power plant in Jaigad in Ratnagiri has started impacting the water table and could affect mango production levels. Who will pay these farmers for such losses in the future?

Lastly, is it fair to label the fears of the people of Jaitapur as anti-national because they do not want radioactive nuclear waste in their backyard? ….http://www.hindustantimes.com/Different-rules-for-different-people/Article1-690414.aspx

April 28, 2011 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | environment, India