Taking cognizance of “legitimate” concerns over Kudankulam atomic plant, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday decided to set up an expert group to allay fears but made it clear that the pursuit of nuclear energy will continue while giving full regard to safety aspects.

Dr Singh listed out a series of safety measures and clearances obtained for 1000 MW Kudankulam plant in a meeting with a multi-party delegation and in a letter to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa whose support he sought for timely implementation of the project.

Noting that “legitimate” and “understandable” concerns were being expressed about nuclear safety after the Fukushima accident, he said the government was “fully alive” to it and has sought to actively reach out to local populations at different nuclear power sites and other sections of society to allay such fears.

“Nothing will be done that would threaten the safety or livelihood of any section of society, particularly those living in the vicinity of a project,” Dr Singh told the delegation which wanted stoppage of work on the project.

It was agreed that since the issues raised were technical in nature and required in-depth discussion, the Centre would constitute a “small group of experts to interact with the representatives of the people of the region to satisfy all their legitimate concerns,” a PMO statement said.

The exercise would also involve Tamil Nadu government.

Dr Singh also wrote to Jayalalithaa, saying the Centre will give full regard to “safety, livelihood and security of the people” while implementing the Kundankulam Project.

“I count on your support in ensuring the timely implementation of the Kudankulam Project,” he told her.

Pitching for pursuing the atomic power, the Prime Minister said, “Nuclear energy is one option to enhance our energy security. The Central Government will ensure that this is pursued with full regard to the safety, livelihood and security of the people.”

He said, “For a large and fast growing economy like ours, and given the volatility and uncertainty of international energy markets, it is in our national interest that we tap all sources of energy, and diversify our energy mix.”

Dr Singh said his government attached the highest importance to ensuring that the use of nuclear energy in India met the highest safety standards.

“We will not compromise on safety in the pursuit of our nuclear energy programme, whether it is in terms of technology, regulation, skilled manpower or emergency preparedness. Nothing will be done that would threaten the safety or livelihood of our people,” he told Jayalalithaa.

He said Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd has been in close contact with locals at Kudankulam for a decade now.

Dr Singh said following the Fukushima accident, NPCIL has enhanced its public awareness activities to address the concerns of the local people, and to highlight the superior safety features built into the Kudankulam reactors.

The Prime Minister said the Centre has also introduced the Nuclear Safety Regulatory Authority Bill 2011 in Lok Sabha, with the objective of setting up an autonomous and independent regulatory authority that will subsume the current Atomic Energy Regulatory Board.

“This Authority will ensure the highest standards of safety based on scientific approach, operating experience and best practices,” Dr Singh added.