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Scientists voice concern over Kudankulam N-plant safety

New Delhi, May 15
Sixty leading scientists have voiced concern over safety of the Kudankulam nuclear power project and sought “renewed study” of safety issues by an independent panel of experts.

In letters to Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, the 60 scientists have expressed doubts, “particularly with reference to possible sub-standard components” used in the plant. Copies of the letters have also been marked to the Prime Minister's Office and Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy.

“These safety concerns are compounded by the fact that Russian authorities arrested Sergei Shutov, procurement director of Zio-Podolsk, on corruption charges for having sourced cheaper sub-standard steel for manufacturing components that were used in Russian nuclear installations in Bulgaria, Iran, China and India,” they said. The scientists said the arrest of Shutov has led to several complaints of sub-standard components and follow-up investigations in Bulgaria and China. — PTI