ABSTRACT
Nuclear power as an energy option was catalysed by the India-US civilian nuclear agreement and the subsequent waiver by the 48 member countries of the Nuclear Suppliers Group in 2008. Making firm connections between the state, security and oppression in the name of India’s development, grassroots resistance swelled across the southern peninsula and beyond. Prominent was the role and commitment of women, of which Sundari whose quote is one leading voice in a peaceful protest against a nuclear power plant. The chapter considers how people’s rights have been shaved and shred with a focus on the south Indian nuclear plant. In an unprecedented move in 2012, the Right to Information Act was successfully used as part of a second appeal by south Indian campaigners led by Udayakumar to obtain information in the public interest from nuclear authorities.
