The proposed nuclear power plant project at Chausara village in Chhindwara district and related land-use issues have drawn widespread local attention and sparked political debate. Nearly 750 acres of land were acquired several years ago for a thermal power project planned by the Adani Group (Pench Thermal Energy). Subsequent discussions about using the same site for a possible nuclear power plant have revived long-pending land acquisition grievances, local protests and statements by regional political leaders.
On the occasion of Hiroshima Day (6 August), Kisan Sangharsh Samiti organised a public hearing at Barah Birhari in Chhindwara. Participants included former Mumbai High Court judge Justice B.G. Kolse Patil, environmentalist Soumya Dutta, Kisan Sangharsh Samiti national president and former MLA Dr. Sunilam, state president Adv. Aradhana Bhargava, Amulya Nidhi of Jan Swasthya Abhiyan (India), Rajkumar Sinha of Bargi Dam Displaced and Affected Association, and hundreds of local men and women. Those present unanimously opposed the proposed nuclear project and demanded its immediate cancellation.
Rajkumar Sinha detailed the long struggle, mass movement and legal battle waged by Adivasis since 2009 against the proposed Chutka nuclear project in Mandla district. He said Madhya Pradesh, which has already suffered the horrors of the Bhopal gas tragedy, must stay away from such dangerous nuclear projects. Putting people’s lives, health and the environment at risk in the name of development is unacceptable under any circumstances.
Environmentalist Soumya Dutta noted that nuclear power projects are not receiving the expected encouragement internationally, while private companies in India are pushing the sector. He said solar and other renewable energy sources are safer, more environment-friendly and more sustainable options for electricity generation.
Amulya Nidhi of Jan Swasthya Abhiyan (India) highlighted the potential adverse effects of nuclear radiation on human health and stressed the need to seriously examine the long-term impacts of such projects and prioritise public health.
Former judge Justice B.G. Kolse Patil reaffirmed his commitment to protecting people’s constitutional rights and said that in a democracy, public consent and rights must come first. He alleged that the present government is taking decisions by prioritising corporate interests.
Dr. Sunilam suggested organising a comprehensive state-level public hearing in Bhopal on all proposed nuclear projects in Madhya Pradesh so that the voices of affected communities can be heard on a common platform and public opinion clearly placed before the government.
Adv. Aradhana Bhargava said the problems of Machagora dam oustees remain unresolved even today. The proposed nuclear project would bring a new and devastating crisis for the entire region. The people’s movement against it will therefore be further broadened and strengthened.
Villagers present at the hearing unanimously decided to launch a “Jail Bharo” agitation on 10 August demanding cancellation of the nuclear power plant and an immediate visit by the Supreme Court-appointed committee to the 35 villages.
On 15 August, gram sabhas in dozens of villages across the area will pass resolutions opposing the proposed nuclear project, sending a clear message to the government that local communities will not accept any threat to their water, forests, land and livelihoods.
On 17 August, memoranda will be submitted to MLAs and the MP.
Among those present were Balram Patel, Sajje Patel, Prakash Sahu, Suresh Verma, Atmaram Patel, Chinga Verma, Babu Patel, Jay Eevnati, Kamla Bai Chandravanshi, Sushila Uikey, Sarita Yadav and other office-bearers of Kisan Sangharsh Samiti, social activists, farmers, women, youth and a large number of local citizens.
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