The Tamil Nadu Government's decision on Kudankulam nuclear power plant is “correct” but “long over due” the Russian Ambassador to India, Mr Alexander M. Kadakin, said on Monday.

It was on March 19 this year that the Tamil Nadu Cabinet recently gave its nod for opening of the plant.

“From October to March, it is not Russia, it was India which was losing $1 million a day. Can we welcome the loss of the money that Indian people had put aside for construction? Our specialists were patiently waiting, they did not leave. They have started work now. And that is welcome,” the Ambassador said.

The Envoy said that there was no time frame for the work to be completed.

“It will depend on the adjustment that they have to make because the station was idle for a year. Some additional work will be necessary there. Usually it takes four to six months,” Mr Kadakin said. The Envoy added that in due time agreements will also be signed expanding Kudankulam 3 and 4 plants.

“We are now also expecting another site to be named by the Government. For the last two years we have not even got a name. Haripur was mentioned in passing but not officially proposed any time. That is why we are waiting for another proposal so as to start construction,” Mr Kadakin said.

>ashphadnis@thehindu.co.in

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