CHENNAI: Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission and Secretary (Department of Atomic Energy) Anil Kakodkar on Friday allayed apprehensions of displacement of people because of the proposed installation of four more light water reactors (LWRs) at the Koodankulam Nuclear Power Project (KNPP), for which a memorandum of intent was signed with Russia.

Talking to reporters here, Dr. Kakodkar said there was absolutely no necessity for anybody to shift, as these reactors would come up within the land that had already been acquired, and the boundary had been created. "The land is sufficient to house all these reactors. There will be no displacement or adverse effect whatsoever, as we follow all the procedures."

Setting up of the four 1000 MWe reactors in addition to the two units of the same capacity that were currently being built at the KNPP would result in a lot of economic activity in the area, he said.

Asked if Russia's offer of assistance would hamper India's nuclear power programme, he said, "We pursue a three-stage nuclear power programme, which will continue as planned. In fact, we will accelerate it. As our energy requirements are too large and the demand for power will be always high, any additional inputs are welcome."

Replying to another question, he said the country would continue to ensure a win-win situation for India and United States, the parties that signed a nuclear deal.

Dr. Kakodkar made it clear that the Centre would go through the public hearing on issues raised in connection with the KNPP. Every agency concerned including the State Government had been supportive. "We have to take everybody together," he said.

To another query, he said though there was a small leak in the pipeline carrying uranium mill tailings from Jaduguda uranium mill to the tailings dam recently, there was absolutely no extra or high radiation and there was no risk to anybody at all. Steps would be taken to strengthen the surveillance system there, he added.

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