The residents of Arasinkeri village in Karnataka’s Koppal district have firmly opposed the central government’s proposal to establish a nuclear power plant in their area. This initiative, led by the Department of Atomic Energy, involves identifying approximately 1,200 acres of land around Arasinkeri, prompting significant concern among the local community.
On December 13, villagers formally submitted a plea to Koppal Deputy Commissioner Nalini Atul, demanding that the project be abandoned. They warned of intensified protests if their concerns were not addressed.
“Arasinkeri is already struggling with pollution from over a hundred factories, including steel plants. This project will not only devastate our livelihoods, which depend on agriculture and forestry, but also pose severe health and environmental risks,” said M. Veerabhadrappa, a local farmer.
Key Concerns Raised:
- Environmental Impact: The proposed site includes over 400 acres of forest land, critical for biodiversity and the local ecosystem.
- Livelihoods at Risk: The predominantly agrarian community fears losing fertile farmland, which is their primary source of income.
- Health and Safety: Villagers are anxious about potential contamination and the risks associated with nuclear power plants.
Official Response:
Koppal Sub-Divisional Magistrate Mahesh Malagati acknowledged the villagers’ concerns, stating, “The project is in its preliminary stages. If the site is approved, farmers will be compensated suitably. A technical team from Delhi is expected to visit soon to finalise the location.”
Despite these assurances, residents remain unconvinced. The villagers argue that compensation cannot offset the long-term damage to their environment and well-being.
Next Steps:
Arasinkeri’s residents have vowed to escalate their protests, emphasizing that a nuclear power plant in a densely populated and ecologically sensitive area is unacceptable. The outcome of this standoff could shape the future of energy infrastructure development in the region.
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