The proposal by Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar to initiate a feasibility study for establishing a nuclear power plant in Goa has ignited a fierce debate. While the need for reliable, affordable power is undeniable, especially amid rising costs and heavy dependence on electricity imports, the idea raises critical questions about land availability, safety, environmental sustainability, and impact on Goa's identity.
One of the most pressing concerns is land requirements. Nuclear power plants require substantial land for safe operation. Data indicates that setting up a four-unit nuclear plant needs approximately 1100 hectares of land. Coastal sites, often preferred for their cooling water access, still need about 750 hectares. In a small state like Goa, with limited land resources which are already strained, this idea appears to be misplaced.
Now consider this. The government has been struggling to find suitable land for other major projects, such as establishing an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT). For nearly a decade, the state has grappled with land acquisition challenges for the IIT, which is comparatively much smaller in scale. The stark reality is that land scarcity makes the prospect of allocating hundreds or thousands of acres for a nuclear plant highly problematic. The state's unique geography, with its dense population and ecological sensitivities, leaves little room for the large buffer zones needed to ensure safety and mitigate risks.
Nuclear power plants require exclusion zones, typically a radius of 1.5 km, where public habitation is prohibited. This safety buffer is crucial to prevent exposure to radiation in case of accidents. The question is: can Goa afford to designate such zones, given its population density and limited availability of land? Urban and semi-urban areas would come close to potential plant sites, making it difficult to establish these buffer zones without displacing communities or restricting development.
Moreover, Goa's ecological landscape including its beaches, forests, and sanctuaries, are integral to its identity and economy. The displacement or disturbance of wildlife habitats further highlights the environmental risks associated with large-scale nuclear projects in sensitive zones.
Thirdly, the issue of potential environmental hazards, including radiation leaks, waste management issues, and long-term ecological impacts. For nuclear power stations, states are required to have strong regulatory frameworks with stringent safety measures in place, including emergency preparedness, public health and environmental monitoring, and robust safety systems. We have seen the State machinery struggle to contain an industrial waste blaze in Sanguem for three days this week.
Goa faces a genuine power shortfall and the need for reliable electricity is felt. However, the question is, at what cost should this be achieved? Relying on nuclear energy involves not only high capital expenditure but also long-term commitments to safety, waste disposal, and accident management. The state’s current renewable efforts, such as solar energy, though limited, are sustainable and environmentally friendly options that align with Goa’s ecological ethos.
The push for nuclear power must be examined against the risks of eroding Goa’s environmental integrity and social harmony. The state's fight to preserve its land, culture, and environment cannot be sacrificed on the altar of energy needs.
Goa’s unique ecological and social landscape demands a cautious and transparent approach that prioritizes sustainable and people-supported energy solutions. The critical issues of land scarcity, safety, environmental preservation, and consensus of local communities, environmental experts, and civil society cannot be overlooked.
