‘Nod to load K-fuel in 25 days’

The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) is in the final stages of inspection at the Koodankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP). Fuel loading would start as soon as AERB gives the go-ahead, Minister of State for PMO V Narayanasamy said on Sunday.

“AERB is expected to give the go-ahead within 25 days. We are ready to load fuel,” said Narayanansamy. He defended the lathicharge by police against the anti-KKNPP protestors, saying that law enforcement officials were only doing their duty as the agitators did not respect the imposition of Section 144 in the area.

He also justified the government’s decision to allow Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the retail sector, reasoning that the move would prove to be widely beneficial by removing middlemen.

“The decision has been made keeping in mind the impact it will have on farmers, traders and the common man,” the MoS said, and added that it will help control price rise.

High crude prices had forced the government to sharply hike diesel prices, he said, while adding that the Centre would slash the prices when global crude prices fall. Narayanansamy blamed the Karnataka government for persistently failing to follow the orders of the Cauvery River Authority and the Supreme Court.