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Article: In rural India, resistance to nuclear plants; Villagers' refusal to sell land is yet another obstacle for government
- Article from:
- The Washington Post
- Article date:
- October 31, 2009
- Author:
CopyrightCopyright 2009 The Washington Post. This material is published under license from the Washington Post. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Washington Post. (Hide copyright information)
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Standing precariously on the thin edge of a newly dug well,
Ajitbhai Narela looked out proudly at his groundnut and mango
saplings.
For decades, he said, his family has tilled the soil here,
working the land and producing sweet-tasting fruit. But soon, he
noted, the fields may disappear. If Indian officials have their way,
land in this seaside village will be paved over for a nuclear power
plant.
"This is our birthplace. We have farmed this land with our blood
and sweat over generations," said Narela, 55. "The government can
cremate us right here, but we will not sell our land."
The proposed nuclear plant is to be designed using American
technology, making it one of the first projects made ...