08-08-2013, 12:36 PM
Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant is a nuclear power station in Koodankulam in the Tirunelveli district of the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The plant's first reactor is the first Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR) belonging to the Light Water Reactor (LWR) category in India, and the 21st nuclear power reactor in the country. The Russian-built Kudankulam plant is the country's largest nuclear power project and is designed to help meet a surging demand for electricity. Plans were first drawn up in 1988 and it was supposed to have gone into operation in 2011.
Pros:
• It can supply electricity to at least 200 million homes
• Capable of generating 1000 MW of power when operational
• Has in-built safety measures that minimise the risk of any radiation leak
• The location of the plant is in an area that is least prone to earthquakes, and its height ensures potential safety from tsunamis
• Storage and disposal of nuclear waste major cause of concern
Cons:
Sub-standard equipment, faulty parts have been installed at the facility
Fishermen allege that the 14,000 crore project is fundamentally unsafe and they fear it will destroy fish in the sea, affecting their livelihood
Ecological damage by radioactivity is feared
Quick evacuation for those living around the plant, in case of disaster will be very difficult
Radioactivity from the plant, and unsafe disposal of nuclear waste, may cause cancer and other health problems
Pros:
• It can supply electricity to at least 200 million homes
• Capable of generating 1000 MW of power when operational
• Has in-built safety measures that minimise the risk of any radiation leak
• The location of the plant is in an area that is least prone to earthquakes, and its height ensures potential safety from tsunamis
• Storage and disposal of nuclear waste major cause of concern
Cons:
Sub-standard equipment, faulty parts have been installed at the facility
Fishermen allege that the 14,000 crore project is fundamentally unsafe and they fear it will destroy fish in the sea, affecting their livelihood
Ecological damage by radioactivity is feared
Quick evacuation for those living around the plant, in case of disaster will be very difficult
Radioactivity from the plant, and unsafe disposal of nuclear waste, may cause cancer and other health problems