The Human Rights Forum (HRF) calls upon all those opposed to nuclear energy to participate in a candle-lit vigil to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. The vigil will begin at 6 pm at the Gandhi Statue opposite the Greater Visakha Municipal Corporation (GVMC) on Tuesday.
The catastrophic accident at the Chernobyl nuclear station in the Ukraine on April 26, 1986 was one of the worst man-made disasters of the 20th century. Within days, the nuclear fallout from the Chernobyl plant had spread to several regions in the former Soviet Union and then most of Europe. While exact figures are still not known, it is estimated that over the years hundreds of thousands of people died as a result of that horrific incident. Till date, humans, particularly children, continue to suffer from various health problems as a result of the disaster.
There is no doubt that nuclear energy is the most dangerous form of energy. We believe that nuclear power is not the answer to climate change. It is dirty and perilous and has to be rejected because it is intrinsically hazardous and a deadly legacy for future generations. Contrary to popular perception, nuclear power is actually more expensive than power from conventional sources.
Tragically, we have learnt very little from disasters like Chernobyl. Fukushima is a chilling reminder of the consequences of continuing on this foolish and risky path. It is time humanity took stock and opted out of the nuclear option altogether and instead invested in sustainable and renewable energy sources and technologies like solar, wind and biogas.
We demand that the Indian government impose a moratorium on all further civilian nuclear activity in the country, including Jaitapur in Ratnagiri district of Mahatrashtra, at Kovvada in Srikakulam district and Haripur in West Bengal. The government must initiate a process to decommission existing nuclear plants within a stipulated timeframe.
VS Krishna
HRF State general secretary
25.04.2011
Visakhapatnam