MARGAO
Saying that a nuclear power plant in Goa is bound to be opposed by locals due to safety and environmental concerns, Goa Forward Chief Vijai Sardesai has said that deploying high risk infrastructure in a state with a failed disaster management system in place is bound to be opposed.
He warned that the tourism industry, which is the backbone of Goa’s economy, will be doomed forever if a Chernobyl type disaster happens in the proposed nuclear palnt.
Addressing the media, Sardesai said Goa, a small state with land availability as main issue and having rich biodiversity and tourism as main economic activity will get destroyed in the event of leakage of radioactive material. “We should explore alternative renewable energy options like solar and wind power than run the risk of being strategic targets in a war or terrorist attacks”, he said.
He added: “Union Minister Khattar’s thoughtless suggestion and government of Goa’s subsequent silence raises too many questions which need to be answered by the lower engine of the Double Engine Sarkar, we could do without”.
Reminding the double engine government is a tourism hub, the main stay of the Goa’s economy, Sardesai said a nuclear power plant will have severe implications for the tourism industry in the event of a disaster.
“Look at the size of Goa. It is a small state, a tourism oriented state. If there is a leakage, tourism will be wiped out at one go. The backbone of our economy will be finished”, he said.
Demanding to know from the government what the issue of a nuclear plant was not discussed in the recently held session of the Goa Legislative Assembly, Sardesdai demanded that the government take the people of Goa into confidence before taking the decision on going for the nuclear plant.
“It is indeed shocking and surprising that the government is getting the nuclear power plant in Goa without taking Goemkars and the representatives of the people into confidence”, he added.
