Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office V. Narayanasamy on Wednesday mooted opening up the nuclear energy sector for foreign direct investment.
Emphasising that nuclear energy was as an important option for meeting the growing energy needs and that not a single accident had been reported in nuclear power plants in the country, he said there was need to encourage investment in the sector.
“We should agree to FDI. We should open up,” the Minister said, addressing an international conference on nuclear energy organised here by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry. He, however, said it was only his personal view. “No final decision has been taken [by the government on the issue].”
On the Kudankulam nuclear power station, Mr. Narayanasamy said work on the first unit of 2X1000 MWe was going apace. “The first unit will be ready for commissioning in 20 to 30 days from the time the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board gives its approval [for loading the fuel].”
While trying to resurrect the sagging nuclear industry the Hon.
Minister forgot to tell the citizens of this country why foreign
direct investment is necessary for the nuclear industry. Is it because
of the dwindling funds with the Government? So far we have been told
that import of foreign light water reactors of high capacity (1000 MW
and above)is necessary to hasten nuclear power growth. We have also
been told that due to low grades of uranium ores and slackness in
production uranium imports are also required. But this is the first
time that we are told about the need for FDI. Is this feasible? Is
this desirable? If a foreign company invests and sets up a reactor it
owns it and gas to operate it. Then, will the party bear all damages,
fully, in case of an accident? By airing ill conceived ideas like this
doubts in the nuclear option get multiplied.
No accident is reported perhaps because of the manipulation of such reports. Moreover, nuclear power plants lead to displacement of people and a disruption of their livelihoods which are 'accidents' as well.
Who can ever compensate them for their losses? Foreign investors? Not really! We can see how they react in the way DOW refuses to budge with compensations.
It lies with organizations spearheading agitations against nuclear power stations, whether at Jaitapur, Kudankulam or elsewhere, to educate people properly on the real need of their fight. At different places, including at Jaitapur, problems like land acquisition and loss of profession are mainly highlighted. Authorities manage such issues by the use of existing laws and the police force at their disposal. The real sufferers are easily mislead by government propaganda. The danger with nuclear installations is that, when damaged, they inflict immeasurable amount of death and disease on humanity, not only for the present but to continuing generations. Until the time of accident, everything would look safe, as in Chernobyl or Fukushima. Thereafter, men and machines fail at the fury of the tragedy. Offerings as in ‘pura’ made by the great scientist and former President APJ Abdul Kalam would be of no help. The nature of calamity is unique to nuclear power. No other man-made structure shows this characteristic. And none can assure a 100% safety against damage. No government has therefore any right to throw its citizens to such situations. This is a question of human rights and construction of nuclear power stations anywhere on earth is against human rights law. Organisations fighting nuclear stations shall give this point the maximum importance. And the fight should continue with tooth and nail to the finish.
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