Nuclear energy law and decision making in India

Nuclear energy as a safe source of energy has been a subject of constant debate. The benefits of nuclear energy for power production and its allied applications on the one side and the risks posed by nuclear energy to public health and safety, and to the environment on the other side have been a source of concern. The Government of India has taken a policy view that nuclear energy is necessary to meet the growing energy needs of the country. In response to the historical Nuclear Suppliers Group Wavier subsequent to India-United States Civil Nuclear Agreement and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Safeguards Agreement, Government of India raised its nuclear capacity targets substantially. From the current capacity of 4GW, the target is to generate close to 60GW within next two to three decades. Such a drastic expansion in capacity has not been previously witnessed /fulfilled in India from any forms of energy. Government views the projected capacity as being essential for a power deficit country; the nuclear industry views this as a business opportunity while the public acceptance of nuclear power is polarised and divided. Unlike other energy forms, the risk debate on nuclear energy is due the fear of radiation consequences as a result of nuclear power plant operation and/or from an unfortunate event or an accident. Radiation, in fact, is present in many forms; be it natural radiation; be it the food one consumes; be it exposure during medical applications, etc. The perception or reality of fear of extreme radiation that exist today is the outcome of multiple events and accidents. The perception of nuclear power, even after five decades of operation, is linked to atomic bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan. The fear is further compounded by the accidents witnessed in Three Mile Island, USA; Chernobyl in the former USSR and Fukushima in Japan. Though the quantum of radiation exposure and resultant health hazards are still being debated, the reality is that accidents, even though extremely rare, are real and their outcomes largely are unquantifiable and unknown. The social, economic and environment restoration consequent to an accident is the major reason why many governments shy away from investing in nuclear.