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Kudankulam: Govt. steps up dpl efforts
The Government is to step up its diplomatic efforts aimed at getting closer to the monitoring mechanism of the controversial nuclear plant in Kudankulam, South India even as the highest court in that country expressed serious concern on the disposal of the atomic waste from the complex.
“More diplomatic efforts will be made soon to enable Sri Lanka to get more involved in the monitoring mechanism at the plant which has caused serious concerns in both countries,” External Affairs Ministry (EAM) Secretary Karunatilleke Amunugama said yesterday.
“It is not possible to convince India to have a rethink overnight since these are sensitive issues and must be handled accordingly. India has the right to its own atomic programme and we have the same right to protect safety interests,” Mr. Amunugama said.
The EAM secretary said officials from the Atomic Energy Authority and other experts should get more involved and keep the Government informed from time to time.
“As it is, the bilateral approach taken by both countries on the matter is encouraging and should continue that way,” he said.
Meanwhile in a related development India’s Supreme Court has called on the central government to make clear the methods that will be adopted to dispose atomic waste when the plant becomes operational.
The court asked the Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCI) which operates the plant questions on how it intended to transport the nuclear waste out of the complex and later store it in a safe place without polluting the environment.
“Where would the nuclear waste go to and what impact it would have on environment and people’s health if it is transported to other places? How much and how long can such waste be stored?” the court asked.
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