Rights panel wants Kaiga authorities to explain safety risks

Acting on a report in the columns of DNA dated April 19, 2011 about rising instances of cancer in the neighbourhood of the Kaiga Generation Station and the safety risks at the nuclear power plant, the Karnataka State Human Rights Commission (KSHRC) has issued notices to the site director of KGS and the off-site director and deputy commissioner, Uttara Kannada district.

Speaking to DNA, KSHRC chairman justice SR Nayak said, “I have taken suo motu decision to issue notices to KGS director JP Gupta and Uttara Kannada deputy commissioner BN Krishnaiah who is also the off-site director of the KGS, to explain the safety risks at the Kaiga nuclear power plant and the reported incidence of cancer in and around the township and nearby villages.”

A clipping of the report that appeared in DNA has been enclosed with the notices.

“I have given one month to both the respondents to clarify on the apprehensions expressed in the notice. Depending on their explanation, I shall undertake my own fact-finding mission along with experts in the fields of nuclear power generation and radiation oncology specialists in times to come,” justice Nayak said.

 I am also worried over the fact that there has been no health survey taken up in the area which is mandatory in the areas surrounding a nuclear power plant,” he said.

“I shall hold public meetings in Kaiga, Yellapur and Karwar and meet the affected people in those towns and villages,”he said.
I am particularly perturbed with the incident of fire and smoke in the control room of the KGS unit 3 and in the notice I have specifically asked the officials of KGS to explain it,” he added.