Supreme Court modifies order on the eco-sensitive zone around protected areas.

• The Supreme Court has modified its judgment to make eco-sensitive zones (ESZ) of at least one kilometre around protected forests, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries across the country mandatory.
• The decision was made by a Bench led by Justice B.R. Gavai.
• Apex court reasoned that the ESZ could not be uniform across the country and has to be “protected area-specific”.
  

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Ambiguities in nuclear liability law:

Context:

• The construction of six nuclear power reactors in Maharashtra’s Jaitapur, the world’s largest nuclear power generation site under consideration, has been held up for over a decade due to issues related to India’s nuclear liability law.
• French energy company Electricite de France (EDF) submitted its offer for the 9,900 MW project two years ago. Still, the liability law issues would have to be resolved before any contract could be signed with India.

Present status of Nuclear Liability Law in India:

• The international nuclear liability regime comprises various treaties, which were strengthened following the Chornobyl nuclear disaster in 1986.
• The Convention on Supplementary Compensation (CSC) was adopted in 1997 to set a minimum national compensation amount.
• India is a signatory to the Convention on supplementary compensation (CSC). In line with the Convention – India enacted Civil Liability For Nuclear Damage Act 2010 (CLNDA).
• CLNDA provides for strict and no-fault liability on the nuclear plant operator, where it will be held liable for damage regardless of any fault on its part.

The issue of Supplier Liability Cause:

• Foreign and domestic nuclear equipment suppliers have been hesitant to finalise nuclear deals with India due to the country’s unique nuclear liability law.
• CLNDA imposes strict and no-fault liability on the operator.
• This has raised concerns among suppliers about potentially facing unlimited liability and uncertainty over how much insurance they must set aside to cover potential damage claims.

The Government’s Stand:

• The Indian government has stated that its nuclear liability law aligns with the Convention on Supplementary Compensation (CSC).