The officials and the scientists at the Kundankulam Nuclear Power Project would have proudly showcased their achievements to the world through the media. But the situation now is totally different and the protests around the commissioning of the project have hampered the KNPP as well as the project township nearby 25 kms.
The atmosphere is at present filled with uncertainty and apprehension of protests flaring up has led to an official gag order which has been issued by the top officials of the atomic energy establishment on disclosing the information of fuel loading or any other development within the plant.
A senior official at KNPP said, “It would have been a pleasure to share details and showcase the feat but the unfortunate developments have barred us from talking about a moment of pride for the nation”. The top officials were not available for their comments.
In normal terms, the NPCIL would have invited the journalists to display such important events. One of the police officials deployed at the plant said, “Given the prevalent tensions, our understanding is that the fuel loading is put on hold for a while”. The police official also said that there is no official information. Fuel loading will be done after the approval of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board and this will be followed by the reactor going critical.
