Villagers protest against Jaitapur nuclear plant

The proposed nuclear power plant at Jaitapur in Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra will take over land that currently belongs to the villagers in five different fishing villages: Madban, Varliwada, Karel, Niveli and Mithgavane. Villagers held a rally on 26 February, 2011, in front of Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan.  The rally grew heated, and police later arrested eleven villagers who had protested.  Here, villagers march towards the public meeting at 'Karel,' where Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan will address them.

Madhukar B Gaikwad, district collector of Ratnagiri, observes the proceedings.

Fisher women of nearby Nate village offer prayers before proceeding towards Karel at Jaitapur on February 26, 2011.

A tense Prithviraj Chavan at the public meeting at Jaitapur to discuss the Jaitapur nuclear power plant project.

A woman protesting against the JNPP project: Here, she is seen pointing her finger in anger at state government officials seated on the dais along with the chief minister.

Activist Vaishali Patil of Konkan Vinashkari Prakalap Virodhi Samiti, an NGO that is protesting the proposed nuclear power project at Jaitapur. Patil seen seated in the centre (pink saree) with a black badge during the chief minister's visit.

Protestors of Sakhari Nate wear black badges protesting the JNPP project during the chief minister's public meeting at Jaitapur.  The badges say: "We welcome the chief minister but we oppose the nuclear power project"

Villagers read through a circular that lists the reasons why they are against the JNPP.

Women protestors at the public meeting during Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan's visit to Jaitapur on Feb 26, 2011.  Eleven villagers were later arrested by the police.