If, even the idea of what constitutes development can be varied and conflicting, then certainly there can be many differences about ways in which developoment happens.The ongoing protest over the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu is one such conflict. The government
of India set up the nuclear power plant in this quiet coastal town of fisher folks. The aim is to generate nuclear power to meet the growing energy needs of the country. The people in the region have protested on the grounds of safety, security and livelihood. A long struggle has ensued. Scientists, environmentalists, social activists who have been critical of the project, have stood by the people and supported their protest. Letters of protests to the government state “You are unable or unwilling to appreciate that in nuclear energy, we are confronted not only with an immense power, but also an incredible potential for destruction. We want our coast and country protected from the radioactive peril. Stop the project. Look to renewable energy as an alternative.” The government has responded that the plant has followed all the safety measures and, despite protests, is going ahead with the project