K-plant is safe, says state experts panel

TIRUNELVELI: The Koodankulam Nuclear Power Plant is well-equipped to withstand natural calamities, the four-member expert committee set up by the state government said here on Sunday. “From our inspection, we have gathered that the plant can withstand tsunami strikes as it is 20 feet above sea level. The reactors, which are of the third generation, would automatically shut down in case of any problem,” S Iniyan, panel convener, said after meeting a nine-member team of People’s Movement Against Nuclear Energy.Iniyan said they had inspected the plant on Saturday for more than three hours and reviewed its safety. Endorsing his views, former Atomic Energy Commission chairman M R Srinivasan said they have reviewed all the safety features. “Special features have been incorporated in the KKNPP,” he said.PMANE’s M Pushpara­yan said they have asked the panel members to meet the local people. “We also demanded them to meet our expert panel,” he said. When asked if they are going to meet the PMANE expert panel, Iniyan said that it was not in their list of assignments.