Nuclear crisis in Japan raises more questions in India

As the world continues to watch the struggle in Japan as at least two Fukushima reactors appear to have at least partially melted down, the crisis adds fuel to the already strong opposition to new reactors around the world, including in India.

NDTV reports: "Vivek Monteiro of the Konkan Bachao Samiti told NDTV, "All along experts had tried to convince us that Chernobyl was just an exception. Now, with what has happened in Japan nobody can say that nuclear power is safe and clean. We have not raised new questions. But the truth is that the questions we raised were ignored. What has happened in Japan has only increased the determination of the people to oppose the Jaitapur project. People across the board will now be asking questions about safety."

The Indian government has already signed a deal with French company Areva for its EPR technology that will be used in the six units at Jaitapur. It's a move opposed by activists who say the EPR technology is untested raising fears over its use and safety. Finland's EPRs are still under construction, facing huge cost escalations and expected to miss the deadline."