Kolkata, Aug 6 (IANS): Commemorating Hiroshima Day, leading intellectuals and activists here Tuesday railed against nuclear plants, complaining that safety measures in such power plants in the country were "frail".

"The safety measures of the power plants are frail... This can't be allowed," Manik Mukherjee, vice president, All India Anti-Imperialist Forum (AIAIF), told IANS.

It was on Aug 6, 1945 that the US dropped the first atom bomb on Hiroshima killing several thousand people.

Recently, there has been a spate of protests against the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KNPP) - India's 21st reactor - in Tamil Nadu.

On July 13, the first unit at KNPP began nuclear fission process triggering fresh rounds of protests.

Referring to the movement against the Kudankulam plant, Mukherjee said the committee formed by AIAIF to protest against the plant will carry on its battle to draw attention towards the problems posed by it.

Noted theatre actor Kaushik Sen, who participated in the anti-nuke protests, said the threat of nuclear power is stronger than ever.

"We must remember this day and not forget the threat posed by nuclear power. Today the threat is greater than ever," Sen said.

Hundreds of activists, intellectuals and students will participate in rallies in the city to mark the day.

A panel discussion will also be organised at the Russian Centre of Science and Culture at the city's Gorky Sadan.

Eminent painter Sameer Aich feels that risk factors should be ascertained before embarking on such ventures.

"The power of nuclear energy can't be ignored. But risk factors should be taken in account before establishing the plants," Aich said.