Stepping up pressure on the Government for scrapping of the controversial Jaitapur nuclear power project in Maharashtra, a delegation of Shiv Sena MPs on Wednesday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and cited “scientific arguments” for reconsidering it.
A delegation of 18 Shiv Sena MPs from both the houses met Modi in his Parliament office and presented him with a map and “scientific geological evidences” to prove that the site of project was located on a earthquake prone zone and that it was “not safe”.
Modi, however, told the Shiv Sena delegation that reviewing large projects at times “blocks developments” and forces shifting of such big ticket enterprises elsewhere.
The Sena delegation also comprised Anil Desai, Shiv Sena Secretary and Rajya Sabha MP whose inclusion in the Union Cabinet has been demanded by the Sena leadership. “The project land is not hard rock and after deep digging it may reach the sea level and may be in danger of being affected by Tsunami,” said Sena MP Arvind Sawant after meeting Prime Minister.
He said the water used in the plant would be released in sea which in turn would heat up the sea, causing “huge damage” to marine life, affecting fish production in the region.
He said Tarapur nuclear plant was only 500 MW whereas Jaitapur in Ratnagiri district was about 10,000 MW with “higher implications” on the environment. Sawant said Sena MPs questioned Modi why India was going for hazardous nuclear power while developed countries like Germany was “phasing out” nuclear plants and going for non-conventional power.
Another Sena MP Chandrakant Khaire said Modi gave a patient hearing to them and said that he would refer their argument against the project to “scientists” immediately and get back to them.
A memorandum was submitted to the PM which was signed by all the MPs and Ananth Geete, Union Minister, and leader of Sena in Parliamentary Party. Asked what if Sena’s demand was rejected, the MPs said, “The response would be from Paksha Pramukh Udhav Thackeray.”