Power crisis: Pinarayi Vijayan cautions State against opting for nuclear power projects
Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan cautioned the Keralam government against pursuing nuclear power projects, citing potential grave implications and recent Central amendments that removed stringent damage liability conditions for operators. His warning comes as the Centre opens the nuclear sector to private players and promotes Small Modular Reactors.
Why it matters
This article highlights a significant debate in India regarding energy policy, balancing immediate power needs with long-term environmental and safety concerns, especially in the context of new nuclear energy laws and private sector involvement.
Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday advised caution on pursuing nuclear power projects in Keralam.
Considering nuclear power projects to meet an immediate need could entail grave implications for the State in the future, Mr. Vijayan said in the Keralam Legislative Assembly after the Opposition Left Democratic Front, moved an adjournment motion demanding discussion on power crisis.
Recent Central amendments on nuclear energy laws have removed the stringent damage liability conditions that were earlier applicable to operators, he said, in an apparent reference to the provisions in the Centre’s Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Act, 2025.
Mr. Vijayan’s warning has come at a time when nuclear power plants are back in the news with the Centre opening up the sector to private players and announcing plans for the research and development of the Bharat Small Modular Reactor.
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