A fault line in nuclear energy transition

Refer to ‘Dangers of a weak N-liability regime’; the debate over the SHANTI Bill reflects a larger fault line in India’s energy transition: whether nuclear expansion should be driven by private capital and executive discretion or anchored in stronger public control, independent regulation and robust liability. Displacement of communities, collapse of agriculture and fisheries, health costs from radiation-induced diseases and loss of investor confidence are other concerns. India’s proposed model relies heavily on executive discretion without comparable safeguards or transparency. Chapter III, dealing with duties and liabilities, has emerged as the Bill’s most contentious section. SS Paul, Nadia (WB) Blue…