India's Revamped Atomic Energy Legislation: SHANTI Bill
India is set to introduce a new atomic energy legislation, tentatively named SHANTI (Sustainable Harnessing of Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India). This bill is anticipated to play a critical role in shaping the country's nuclear energy future.
Key Objectives
- The SHANTI Bill aims to achieve 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047.
- It seeks to open the restricted nuclear power sector to private participation.
Main Provisions
- Establish a comprehensive legal framework for the atomic energy sector.
- Enable private sector involvement in:
- Exploration and mining of atomic minerals
- Fuel fabrication
- Propose a specialised tribunal for nuclear energy-related disputes.
- Introduce a specialised authority on nuclear safety, working with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Government and Private Sector Roles
- The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) will retain control over:
- Production and supply of heavy water
- Segregation and treatment of nuclear waste
Liability and Safety Concerns
- Address liability issues under the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010.
- Suggestion for government intervention once compensation caps are breached.
- Emphasis on detailed modalities for nuclear safety, insurance pools, and victim rights in case of accidents.
The bill is currently in the advanced stages of drafting, incorporating final comments and suggestions from various ministries.
