N-India shining?

In 2003, India faced an acute power shortage of 70,000MW. Seven years later, the country isn’t doing any better, although it is the fourth largest producer of power after USA, Russia and China. Despite power sector being an inherent part of industrial growth, India still lags behind demand and potential. Traditional technology of thermal power is by and large causing problems, with the high-ash content of coals from Central India and the high-Sulphur content of coals from the North-east. A report from Jharsuguda, Orissa, says India’s largest power plant of capacity 2400MW came into operation for a single day. The affair was restricted to the length of a T20 match, not because of intricacies in the Power Plant but, the smoke cloud and the ash rain that followed. Even though the country has the potential to outstrip standards previously set, environment concerns hinder progress.

Hydro-power is a viable alternative. But the river-sharing problems amongst the states and the neighbouring countries have put the option on hold. India claiming zilch expertise in tapping renewable sources of energy, bio-fuel and solar energy are restricted to High school Science text books with little practical relevance. Wind energy finds itself scattered in territories where it finds its solace.

On a last resort, India turned to the prohibited word, “N-Deal”. Currently producing 4500MW from 20 nuclear power stations, India is exploiting the power play to maximize output to 63,000 MW by 2032. The target would bring a closure to current crises, but as time advances with growth and technology, will it suffice the needs then?

With depleting Uranium resources, India had no place to look for and the blockade seemed tough to overcome by mere search of alternate routes. Thus, India had to sign the N-Pact in 2008, but, stood its ground firmly, ignoring the Non-Proliferation Treaty and making the stand clear that India meant only business. The blow came when India’s Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Bill 2010 was written in American English. The Americans had already defended their stand in their engineering collapses which paved the way for extinction of certain species. Once again, they had been provided with the leeway, thanks to India’s Bill. Obviously, the recent handling of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy and the Gulf of Mexico fiasco has not prompted our politicians to stay cautioned; achieving their target of abolishing power shortage has taken the centre-stage over strong legal issues.

No doubt nuclear energy is the fore-runner for the future, but, it cannot be at the cost of safety and credibility. Allowing France, USA, UK and Canada to set-up Indian Nuclear power stations and assisting in operation during smooth periods is not an issue. But, disembarking them during mishaps is not a reason to be proud of. Technology at the expense of lives is unacceptable and the weak link in these episodes is India’s Bill which in a way is the messiah for India’s power shortage.