HYDERABAD: The state and central governments are gearing up for the Kovvada Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP) in Srikakulam, ignoring the protests of tribals and environmentalists. Though land acquisition is yet to commence, the intention of the state government was evident in the order (GO Ms No 270) issued on Tuesday sanctioning more than 50 posts for initiating land acquisition for the plant.The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) requires about 775.50 hectares for the plant and another 125 hectares for the construction of a township to accommodate the staff. Officials say at least 1,200 to 1,400 hectares will be required for various purposes to meet the present needs and also for future expansion of the power plant. Accordingly, the district collector of Srikakulam requested the state government to sanction certain posts for initiating land acquisition and the finance department issued orders to this effect on Tuesday sanctioning more than 50 regular and contract staff.Environmentalists and tribals are expressing concern over the state government's decision stating that the government has ignored the objections raised by them. Environmental activist Captain J Rama Rao said the local community has been fighting against the power plant but it has not deterred the state and the central governments from going ahead with the project. "If things are allowed to continue like this, there is every danger of Kovvada becoming another Jaitapur and Kudankulam," he feared. He said that all organisations and individuals fighting for the cause will soon join hands to start a coordinated action against land acquisition.
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