Shipping Minister G.K. Vasan has appealed to anti-nuclear plant activists at Kudankulam to desist from stalling activity at the VOC Port (formerly Tuticorin port).
The Kudankulam nuclear power plant has not yet been made operational.
There is insufficient power supply in Tamil Nadu , which is affecting growth. The State is losing out due to it, Vasan said.
“I have been made to understand that the anti-nuclear power plant protesters have announced that they will stop movement of ships to the VOC Port on September 22, by blocking the approach channel. It is unfortunate that protesters do not understand that this type of protest would affect trade,” he said in a statement.
These kinds of protests will not be regarded positively by the public, as they are aware that it is not in the nation’s interest, he said.
The Centre has always made efforts to protect the interests of fishermen and work for their welfare. “I am sure that the State Government would make all out efforts to contain this type of protest, which affects the overall growth of the country in general and Tamil Nadu in particular,” he said.
“I appeal to the protesters to refrain from stopping ship movements in VOC Port and thereby stalling all port-related activity,” according to the statement.