MUMBAI: In spite of prohibitory orders and police warning to stop the Tarapur-Jaitapur protest yatra, anti-nuclear power plant activists have decided to assemble at Tarapur and continue their march.
Organised by about 50 environmental groups and activists of anti-Jaitapur nuclear project, the rally aims to create awareness about the hazards of nuclear energy. Around 150 participants from across the country, including environmentalists, scientists and professionals will take part in it.
"The idea is to put pressure on the government and let the people know how the project will damage the pristine ecology in Jaitapur and threaten lives of the people," said Vaishali Patil, convenor of Konkan Vinashkari Prakalp Virodhi Samiti. She said project-affected people from various places including Tarapur, Gorakhpur in Haryana, Haripur in West Bengal, Kakrapar in Gujarat will also take part in the march.
The rally will begin from Tarapur and culminate at Sakhri Nate village in Ratnagiri district on April 25. "On the way, we will cover many villages and distribute pamphlets, said Patil.
Some of the prominent people in the march would include environmentalist Vandana Shiva, activist Praful Bidwai and former judge B G Kolse Patil. Several senior nuclear scientists will also participate.
Senior police officials said they have asked the organisers to cancel the rally and not assemble at Tarapur. "We have been requested by the SP of Ratnagiri district not to allow the march. Since there has been tension near Jaitapur, we will ensure the rally does not reach there," said Vishwas Nangre Patil, Superintendant of Police, Thane.
Activists said it was not possible to call off the rally as people from many parts of the country have already left for the rally. "This will be a peaceful march. We have a democratic right to protest. There is no reason why we should call it off," said former judge B G Kolse Patil.
Organised by about 50 environmental groups and activists of anti-Jaitapur nuclear project, the rally aims to create awareness about the hazards of nuclear energy. Around 150 participants from across the country, including environmentalists, scientists and professionals will take part in it.
"The idea is to put pressure on the government and let the people know how the project will damage the pristine ecology in Jaitapur and threaten lives of the people," said Vaishali Patil, convenor of Konkan Vinashkari Prakalp Virodhi Samiti. She said project-affected people from various places including Tarapur, Gorakhpur in Haryana, Haripur in West Bengal, Kakrapar in Gujarat will also take part in the march.
The rally will begin from Tarapur and culminate at Sakhri Nate village in Ratnagiri district on April 25. "On the way, we will cover many villages and distribute pamphlets, said Patil.
Some of the prominent people in the march would include environmentalist Vandana Shiva, activist Praful Bidwai and former judge B G Kolse Patil. Several senior nuclear scientists will also participate.
Senior police officials said they have asked the organisers to cancel the rally and not assemble at Tarapur. "We have been requested by the SP of Ratnagiri district not to allow the march. Since there has been tension near Jaitapur, we will ensure the rally does not reach there," said Vishwas Nangre Patil, Superintendant of Police, Thane.
Activists said it was not possible to call off the rally as people from many parts of the country have already left for the rally. "This will be a peaceful march. We have a democratic right to protest. There is no reason why we should call it off," said former judge B G Kolse Patil.
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