Protests against the two Russian VVER nuclear reactors being built in Kudankulam were low key all along, but after the Fukushima accident, this opposition has gained momentum. The major reason for the opposition was always the concern for the safety of the Russian reactors and the fear that their operation will severely reduce the fishing potential in near-coastal waters. But, of late, these protests appear to be widening into a struggle to oppose nuclear power plants in general, and not just the Russian VVERs. This is reflected also in the composition of the Advisory Expert Panel recently formed by the People’s Movement Against Nuclear Energy, which includes some established anti-nuclear activists. This transformation does not augur well for the future of India’s nuclear power programme.
The construction of the first unit at Kudankulam started in March 2002. Under this contract, the Russians are committed to supply the enriched fuel for the lifetime of these reactors and India can keep the spent fuel and reprocess it when we wish. These terms are quite liberal and different from the stringent controls the Americans imposed in 2008 under the Hyde Act and the 123 Agreement.
To secure the India-US nuclear deal, our prime minister gave a unilateral assurance to the US, France and Russia that — subsequent to the Nuclear Suppliers Group granting exemption to India — we shall purchase a sizeable number of nuclear reactors from these three countries. It is to fulfill this promise that the government is aggressively pursuing a policy of reactor imports.
