The Centre has allayed apprehension on the safety of the Koodankulam nuclear power project in Tamil Nadu and said that concerns of the local people including fishermen will be addressed. Official sources in New Delhi said there is no need for mass evacuation of people from the vicinity of the plant area, making it clear that the plant is safe and is expected to go critical in the next few months.

The sources said following the Fukishima incident in Japan, safety review of all nuclear plants in the country was conducted. On the protest in Koodankulam, the sources said, the Prime Minister's envoy Mr.V. Narayanaswamy had visited the area and had discussions with state Chief Minister Ms. Jayalalitha on finding a solution to the issue.

Rubbishing claim that the protest could put an end to the government's ambitious nuclear programme, the sources said that a basic fact remain that India needs nuclear power which is the cheapest and cleanest form of energy source.