It seems that protests against the Kovvada power plant in Srikakulam district has slowed down, this being apparent for some time since the state announced the land acquisition process.

It may be recalled that the Central and state governments have been getting ready for land acquisition and other official formalities for the Kovvada nuclear power plant (KNPP) and issued GO No. 270 sanctioning 50 odd regular and contract posts for land acquisition.

The Nuclear Power Corporation Limited proposes to acquire 775.50 hectares and an additional 125 hectares for construction of a township to

personnel for six reactor units along with CISF quarters.

Activists, basically from others parts of the district had been visiting the place and taking up awareness activities, while authorities of the nuclear power plant were reportedly mingling with local people and trying to pacify them.

Officials feel that people have not been opposing the power plant as they would get a good rehabilitation package.

“Only a few people are creating apprehensions on the establishment of the plant. We are ready with package and safety measures and will explain these at the time of public hearing,” highly placed sources explained.

Seismological reports say that Srikakulam comes in the risky zone where earthquakes and tsunamis are likely to occur.

People recollect the accident at Chernobyl in 1986 and the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant event in March 2011.