Scientists in India have joined forces to express their concern over the nuclear plant soon to be commissioned in the southern state of Tamil Nadu.

They wrote a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as well as the Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu and Kerala about the quality of the components and equipment used at the Koondankulam nuclear power plant. It follows media reports about the use of substandard components and the revelation that four valves were found defective.

The letter stated: “Unfortunately, as we have seen in Fukushima, there is the danger that the impact of a major hazardous event in Koodankulam may not be localised but could spread to larger regions in both Tamil Nadu and Kerala. To reduce such a risk, in the light of recent revelations, we believe that it is important to have a fresh independent and thorough quality inspection of the components used in the two reactors.

“We urge you to convey to the Prime Minister and the Department of Atomic Energy that before commissioning the reactors, they should consult independent national experts to formulate an inspection regime and carry out a full-fledged inspection into the safety of KKNP 1 & 2. Such an inspection should pay particular attention to the allegations of sub-standard equipment and components.”

Reports claim the nuclear project got the green light earlier this months as there was no basis to say the plant would have an impact on the environment and people living near the site.