The state government in Tamil Nadu gave its approval for the Kudankulam nuclear power project on the basis of observations from expert groups.

Experts from both the state as well as the central government had studied various aspects of the proposed 2,000-Mw plant and sad that they were satisfied with the safety arrangements at the site.

According to officials, the severe power shortage in the state had also put a lot of pressure on the government to go ahead with the project, which is almost ready. The power shortage in the state had forced the central government to seek the central government's help to address the issue.

Former President of India, APJ Abdul Kalam had visited the site in recent months and had given assurances about the safety of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KNPP) in Tirunelveli district in Tamil Nadu.

Experts have said that the plant is safe and does not face a threat from Tsunami. They have also expressed satisfaction over the safety measures put in place by operators at the plant. Many are now questioning the views of S P Udayakumar, a lead man behind the protests in the area.

The central government had constituted a 15-member expert committee to clear "misconceptions" relating to the project.