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India: organisations join in protest movement against radioactive waste dumping

Protests against move to dump nuclear waste in KGF, KOLAR GOLD FIELDS, November 23, 2012 http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/karnataka/protests-against-move-to-dump-nuclear-waste-in-kgf/article4123795.ece?homepage=true
People in Kolar district are concerned over the likelihood of uranium waste generated at the Kudankulam nuclear power plant being dumped in the mine shafts of Kolar Gold Fields (KGF).

Reports that the Union government has filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court saying that nuclear waste from the Kudankulam plant will be stored in the disused shafts of Bharat Gold Mines Ltd. (BGML) in Kolar Gold Fields have stirred a hornet’s nest in the region with
people discussing the safety aspects of such a move.

Taken aback by the prospects of the gold mines turning into a dump yard for hazardous nuclear waste, a number of organisations irrespective of political affiliations staged a series of protests at KGF on Thursday.

Communist Party of India (Marxist), Bharatiya Janata Party, Karnataka
Rakshana Vedike, among others, that condemned the move. The likelihood
of radiation was the main cause for worry. A geologist said that the
mining area is not conducive for nuclear waste dumping at all. ‘No
information’

Meanwhile, Robertsonpet (KGF) City Municipal Council president P.
Dayanand, vice-president and former MLA M. Bhaktavatsalam and
municipal commissioner V. Balachandra said that they had no
information about the reported move of the Union government.

“We only came to know about it through the media. We do not have any
information on this from any authorities, including the district
administration,” Mr. Dayanand said. “We will oppose the move,” he
added.

They said that Union Minister K.H. Muniyappa, who represents Kolar Lok
Sabha constituency, was responsible for the situation.

“How did he agree to the reported move to dump nuclear waste at KGF?”
Mr. Bhatavatsalam asked and demanded that Mr. Muniyappa tender
resignation.

BJP MLA from KGF Y. Sampangi and the Janata Dal (Secular) have given a
call for a KGF bandh on Friday to register the angst of the people.
Mr. Muniyappa could not be contacted.

Counter affidavit

Meanwhile, Centre of India Trade Union (CITU) is contemplating filing
an counter affidavit in the Supreme Court in view of an affidavit
submitted by the Union government. The counter affidavit is likely to
be filed by Bharat Gold Mines Limited Employees Union affiliated to
CITU, senior trade union leader G. Arjunan toldThe Hindu on Thursday.

November 23, 2012 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | India, opposition to nuclear