BANGALORE: The Centre has roped in psychiatrists to help deal with protesters at the Koodankulam Nuclear Power Plant. Teams led by psychiatrists from NIMHANS, Bangalore, have already commenced preparatory work. NIMHANS hopes to work in tandem with self-help groups, NGOs, local administration and other community level workers who can help people understand the importance of nuclear power. The thrusts of the effort will be to allay apprehensions. For instance, the fishing community remains apprehensive about safety following Fukushima disaster in Japan as a result of the earthquake and tsunami last year.

There was also a fear among the villagers that once the reactor begins working, the condensed steam released into the sea could affect marine life, putting the livelihood of fishermen in jeopardy. Besides, there was also a fear that the mock evacuations were means to permanently evict residents. Considering all these factors, the members have planned to chalk out various exercises at the grassroots level to change the minds of protesters .

Speaking to The Sunday Standard, NIMHANS Director Dr P Satishchandra said that this will be a long-term project which is currently in its infancy. “We will submit a detailed report to the Central Government within a week, and depending on the response, further strategies will be planned for this project.’’