Remember Hiroshima–Nagasaki, Resist Nuclear Colonialism SAY NO TO INDIA’S CORPORATE NUCLEAR AGENDA
Public Statement | August 09, 2025 | Friends of the Earth, India
On this important day marking 80 years since the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and as the world honours the resilience and rights of Indigenous Peoples, Friends of the Earth India raises its voice in strong opposition to the Indian government’s dangerous and undemocratic push to expand nuclear power projects and dilute nuclear liability laws. Eight decades ago, nuclear horrors scorched humanity in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Today, India risks repeating history’s gravest mistakes- not through war, but through irresponsible, expansion of nuclear energy through entry of private entities in the field and corporate-driven policies that risk the lives, lands, and futures of its people.
Eighty years later, the world has yet to recover from the trauma and consequences of nuclear weapons and energy. From Hiroshima and Nagasaki to Three Mile Island in 1979, Chernobyl in 1986 and Fukushima in 2011, the multiple risks associated with nuclear power are clear- devastated communities, poisoned ecosystems, and health impacts that persist for generations. The radioactive legacy of nuclear ambition is one the world still struggles to contain. Beyond the multiple risks associated with nuclear power, its ecological footprint is severe- radioactive waste remains hazardous for thousands of years, contaminating soil, water, and air, while plant construction and operation destroy forests, rivers, coasts, and fragile ecosystems. In India, many proposed nuclear sites are located in biodiversity-rich and climate-sensitive areas, threatening species and the livelihoods of Indigenous and rural communities.
Attempts to present nuclear energy as clean and safe energy, and to expand its use under the banner of renewable energy, are false solutions being imposed on the people. Investment should focus on decentralised and truly sustainable energy options, rather than placing present and future generations in danger. The Nuclear Energy Mission’s target of achieving 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047 through Bharat small modular reactors must be viewed in this context. EƯorts to facilitate private sector entry by amending existing laws and diluting liability provisions pose a serious threat to both people and the environment.
Despite global warnings and strong local resistance, the Government of India is moving to amend the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, and weaken the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010- laws meant to safeguard people from the multiple risks associated with nuclear power. These amendments are being pursued to favour corporate players, including foreign reactor suppliers who refuse to take accountability for their technology. In the Union Budget 2025–26, the Department of Atomic Energy received a record ₹24,661 crore- over 20% more than last year- with ₹11,650 crore earmarked for expanding nuclear power capacity, including new projects and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). Plans are underway for new reactors in Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu, many in tribal and ecologically fragile areas, without public consultation or informed consent. These decisions place Indigenous communities, fisherfolk, farmers, and future generations at severe and irreversible risk.
Financially, nuclear energy is deeply unviable for a country like ours: the costs of construction, decommissioning, and long-term waste management run into billions, with frequent delays and budget overruns making electricity from nuclear plants far more expensive than solar, wind, or decentralised renewable systems. Yet the government continues to market nuclear energy as a “green,” “safe,” and “clean” solution to the climate crisis- claims that collapse under scrutiny. Nuclear power is neither carbon-neutral over its full lifecycle, nor free from catastrophic risks. Chasing this illusion diverts scarce public funds away from proven, aƯordable, and genuinely sustainable energy pathways that India urgently needs. In light of these realities, we put forward our urgent demands to stop this dangerous diversion and secure a truly sustainable energy future for India.
OUR DEMANDS
Reject Amendments Allowing Private Operators in Nuclear Projects
The Atomic Energy Act rightly limits nuclear facility operations to government entities. Allowing private operators, including for SMRs, undermines accountability and increases the risk of catastrophic, irreversible accidents.
Ensure Supplier Liability – No Dilution of the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010 Weakening liability provisions shields reactor suppliers from accountability, even if their technology is faulty or unsafe. Supplier liability must be strengthened, not diluted.
Revise and Increase the Nuclear Liability Cap
India’s current liability caps are far below the real cost of major nuclear disasters. These must be raised to meet international safety and compensation standards.
No Legal Amendments Without Public Consultation
Nuclear policy aƯects millions for generations. Any change in law must be preceded by transparent, inclusive, and democratic consultations.
Halt the Aggressive Push for New Nuclear Projects – Invest in Safer, Green Alternatives
Nuclear power is neither clean nor cheap. The multiple risks associated with nuclear power outweigh its benefits. India should prioritise safer, renewable energy systems like solar, wind, and decentralised grids.
This is more than a policy dispute- it is a battle for our democracy, our communities, and our ecosystems. On this day of remembrance and resistance, we call on civil society groups, political parties, youth movements, trade unions, religious institutions, and concerned citizens to unite. We must not let the memory of Hiroshima and Nagasaki fade, nor mortgage India’s future to radioactive danger.
No More Nuclear Accidents. No More Corporate Impunity. No More Silence. In Solidarity,
Friends of the Earth, India foeindia21@gmail.com | 9809477058
