The mischief at India’s most modern nuclear power plant in Kaiga, 35 km south of Karwar (Karnataka), that left 55 employees ill has struck fear among the residents of nearby Mallapuram. Almost a week after the incident, the township where the affected were taken for medical care, wears a deserted look, with most people keeping indoors.
Though the authorities have signaled ‘no danger’, employees of the plant and other residents alike are not venturing out even for daily needs. The entire area has been cordoned off and the road to Kaiga from Mallapuram blocked by investigators.
“We are living in constant fear since the incident took place,” Suguna (name changed), a teacher who lives with her husband in one of the Type-B quarters, said.She is angry at the restrictions that have been put in place after radioactive material found its way into drinking water at the plant.
“We are not allowed to interact with people outside the township. Security personnel record our statements every time we go out or come in. It’s a harrowing experience,” Suguna said.
Shopkeepers and canteen managers in Mallapuram said, “We have been losing business after the incident, there are no buyers for vegetables, meat or even packaged food and beverages. People have suddenly grown suspicious of everything.”
The Kaiga plant is not new to controversies, though. Earlier, too, it has hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons. When the plant was under construction a dome had collapsed, triggering off an international debate on India’s capability to ensure safety of its nuclear installations. The collapse delayed the commissioning of Unit-I at the plant. In fact, it went into production much after Unit-II.
Recently, the plant lost two technicians in mysterious circumstances. While Mahalingam was found dead in the river Kali in June, M Molay disappeared before that.
Police said the extreme secrecy maintained by the plant authorities was making their job difficult. Inspector general of police (Western Range) Gopal Hosur said, “The officials in Kaiga should take the local police chief into confidence and brief him from time to time. This will help us help them in times of distress.”
Deputy commissioner of Uttara Kannada Chennappa Gowda said, “We have to take care of the common people in case of a disaster, so we have the right to know. We understand that nuclear information has to be kept secret, but that should not stop the Kaiga officials from providing vital information to us, particularly information that is in the larger interest of the people.”
