The Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, today told a delegation that a high-level committee would address their concerns on safety of the Kudankulam nuclear power project.

A multi-party delegation from Tamil Nadu met Dr Singh and expressed concerns over the safety aspects of the 1,000-MW Kudankulam nuclear power plant which is set to be commissioned later this year.

“The Prime Minister gave us a patient hearing. He assured us that he will set up a committee that will travel to Kudankulam and address the safety concerns of the people,” AIADMK MP, Mr V. Maitreyan, told reporters.

The delegation led by the Tamil Nadu Finance Minister, Mr O. Pannerselvam, had members from parties like Congress, AIADMK and CPI and representatives from Kudankulam. They demanded that the Kudankulam project be halted till the concerns of the locals are addressed.

The meeting was attended by the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) Chairman, Mr Srikumar Banerjee, the National Security Adviser, Mr Shivshankar Menon, and the Minister of State in PMO, Mr V. Narayanasamy.

Mr Maitreyan said Dr Singh did not give any off-hand assurance but said the delegation would consist of officials from AEC, Centre, state government and locals.

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