Questions over applicability of nuke liability law on subsequent units of KKNPP

As the much-delayed Koodankulam

atomic power project moves towards commissioning, questions

have arisen over applicability of the nuclear liability law on

the subsequent units at the same site.The agreement to set up nuclear power plants in

Koodankulam was signed with Russia over a decade ago when the

Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act was not enacted.It is learnt that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has

sought views of the Law Ministry as well as the Ministry of

External Affairs on the applicability of the liability law to

units 3 and 4, for which Russia has agreed to give India a

soft loan of USD 3.5 billion.Sources said the government wanted clarity on the

applicability of the law before taking a final decision to

ensure unambiguity in the future while dealing with the issue

with other countries."The agreements with Russia were signed over a decade

back when the liability law was not in place. Now a decision

has to be taken as we move ahead with units 3 and 4," a source

said.India had signed agreements with France and the US for

setting up nuclear power plants in the country. An offer made

by South Korea to set up nuclear power plants in India was

also under examination.The Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act was passed by

Parliament in 2010 which gives the nuclear operator a right

to demand compensation from a supplier in case a faulty

equipment leads to a mishap at a nuclear power plant.Russia has said it expected the same terms and conditions

of Koodankulam 1 & 2 to be applicable for units 3 & 4.