Seeking to end the impasse over the Kudankulam nuclear plant issue, the Jayalalilthaa government in Tamil Nadu on Monday gave the go ahead to the controversial project and announced a Rs. 500 crore special development package for the area where it is located.

“In accordance with (today’s) Cabinet decision, immediate steps will be taken (to facilitate commissioning) of the plant,” Chief Minister Jayalalithaa said in a statement, breaking her silence over the issue.