Growing concerns over TN Nuclear Project

Tamil Nadu is currently struggling with a unique sort of issue concerning the spent nuclear fuel (SNF) generated from the operational nuclear reactors at Kudankulam Nuclear Project located in Tamil Nadu’s Tirunelveli district which as per the Chief Minister M K Stalin was meant to be sent back to Russia and not to be stored in the state—in total contrast with the agreement signed.
There a total of 6 nuclear power reactors that have planned to be set up at the spot, out of which 2 have been commissioned, 2 are under construction while as 2 more are yet to be established and in this regard, Stalin has written a letter to the Prime Minister, urging him to take action in transporting the SNF back to Russia, or, if the same is not possible, then the measures need to be taken for permanently storing SNP in a deep geological repository (DGR) located at a suitable place.
While there has not been any response from the centre on the issue which is sensitive, as yet, Tamil Nadu has raked up the issue by stating that there was a deal that the spent fuel would be collected and sent back to Russia and that a unilateral decision was taken as per which the SNF would be permanently stored in the Away from Reactor (AFR) facility to be located within the unit premises. Stalin has stated that the decision was taken without the consultations of the state.
Tamil Nadu has a point, as it is trying to ensure the safety of its people as well as the ecology because there have been incidents across the world where the AFR storage facility of the SNF within the plant premises has posed severe risks and avoided the same is not only the responsibility of the state but the centre as well.
The concerned ministry at the centre needs to consider the issue seriously and initiate necessary measures aiming at safe and secure storage of SNF at the Kudankulam Nuclear project. At the same time, if there was an agreement with Tamil Nadu on transporting the SNF back to Russia, then, there is a need for ensuring that the same is done for the larger safety of people as well as the ecology of the state.