Ramesh hints at clearance for Jaitpur N plant before Sarkozy visit

• Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh on Wednesday voiced hope that concerns raised by locals on a nuclear power plant to be built in collaboration with France in Maharashtra would be addressed and decision taken on the project before President Nicolas Sarkozy's visit in December.
• The six-unit nuclear power project is to be set up at Jaitpur in Ratnagiri using the technological know-how from France but there has been strong opposition from local NGOs who are demanding that it be scrapped citing radiation threat and alleged inadequate land compensation.
• The Minister, while maintaining that the project based on clean energy represents a certain strategic investment, made it clear that there was no question of an eyewash.