S.K. Malhotra. Raja Ramanna Fellow Department of Atomic Energy Government of India

Transcription

1 Indian Experience in Public Interaction During Implementation of Nuclear Projects S.K. Malhotra Raja Ramanna Fellow Department of Atomic Energy Government of India 11 th International Public Dialogue Forum, Moscow, November 21-23, 2016

2 Perceptions Expectations Fear of Unknown or Little Known Antinuclear Propaganda NGOs Media

3 Recommended Electricity Sources

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5 Government Public Industry

6 The Major Concerns Deforestation Displacement Land Acquisition & Compensation Effect on Livelihood Resettlement & Rehabilitation Employment Generation & Skill Development continued..

7 Health-care, Education, Infrastructure Water Safety Waste Management Pollution & Environmental Degradation Effectiveness / Validity of EIAs Transparency Anti Outsider Sentiment Grievance Redressal Mechanism

8 Government s Initiative for Public Concerns Public hearing process as per EIA Notification, 2006 and amendments thereafter while getting environment clearance for nuclear power projects, Issues generally raised by the public in public hearing meetings, Public consultation process, Addressing issues raised by the public and Role of different organizations regarding compliance to the issues raised. 8

9 Environmental Clearance Process 105 days for prescribing the ToRs. 45 days for public consultation. 60 days for appraisal; and 45 days thereafter for communicating the decision. 9

10 Environmental Clearance Process Scoping: Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) determines detailed and comprehensive Terms of References (TORs) addressing all relevant environmental concerns for the preparation of draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) report for the proposed project after personal appearance and discussion on the subject in EAC meeting. If necessary, site may also be visited by the EAC members. Continued.. 10

11 TORs are generally conveyed within 60 days. EIA/EMP report is to be prepared by accredited consultants. TORs are displayed on the Ministry s website. The TORs issued vary from project to project keeping sensitivity of the surrounding environment and impacts of the plant in mind. In case of nuclear power plants, utmost importance is given to the safety of the plant as well as surrounding population and environment. 11

12 Post-environment clearance monitoring: Submission of half-yearly compliance reports on the stipulated environmental conditions has to be ensured. The compliance reports are public documents and are displayed at Ministry s and project proponent s website and can also be provided to the public. 1 st July, 2014 onwards: All the information about all the projects is available on the Ministry s website. It is mandatory. 12

13 4 th India Nuclear 11 th International Energy Summit Public 2014, New Dialogue Delhi, Wednesday, July Forum, 13-15, September Moscow, , November 2014, Mumbai, 21-23, 2016 India Issue Management -The Indian Way स म (SAAM) - Convincing by Communication द म (DAAM) - Paying द ड (DUND) - Punishing (Law & Order) भ द (BHED) - Making Strategy द म + भ द स म R & R Policy Communication An attractive R&R policy and CSR activity to be supported be Effective Communication

14 Level of participation High Aroused publics Stakeholders (local residents in neighbourhood) Active publics Environmental experts Environmental groups, Low Low Inactive publics General Public (including youth, teachers, and women) Knowledge Aware publics Opinion leaders Decision Makers Academicians Media professionals High

15 Communication - Objectives To facilitate the decision making process on nuclear matters by presenting factual and balanced information. To learn from the society about their concerns and to address these concerns. To maintain social trust and confidence that nuclear technology is being operated at appropriate safety standards. To assure the society about the safety of its installations against natural and man-made disasters. To motivate and attract young talent to pursue career with Department of Atomic Energy.

16 Communication Methods/Tools 1. Oral Communication 2. Exhibitions / Information Centres 3. Public Debates 4. Essay/Quiz/Elocution/Debate Competitions for Students 5. Social Media Mail Groups, FB, Tweeter, Blogging etc. 6. Appreciation Tests on Atomic Energy for students. 7. Short term Appreciation Course on Nuclear Science & Technology for teachers. 8. Journalist Workshops including visits to facilities. 9. Public tours to NPPs and other facilities.

17 Publications

18 Can a NUCLEAR POWER PLANT be a BIRD SANCTUARY? The answer is a resounding YES! A Poster for distribution to Students

19 Coffee-table books on the wildlife around Indian NPPs Our Flying Guests A coffee table book on the birds found in and around the Indian NPPs 7 Edens and 70 Fairies A coffee table book on some butterflies of Indian NPPs The Realms of Flowers A coffee table book on the flora of Indian NPPs

20 A Comment on Media In today s age of Exclusive Story and Breaking News Sensationalization is the in thing Verification of the story/data is seen as an unnecessarily time consuming exercise

21 2004 Tsunami in Bay of Bengal As per an exclusive Report of a News Channel The PFBR Building has fallen, you only see a pit full of water. The poor channel was referring to the excavation pit for PFBR.

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23 Three days later..

24 Excerpts from a tele-conversation with the Editor Something very drastically has gone wrong between the person who gave my colleague the report and what he computed. So, the very next day, we ourselves went to Tata Memorial Hospital and the very next day, we carried a big article. I am telling very frankly and I can tell this in writing also, we stand humbled, we stand corrected and that is why we have carried a big article.

25 Page 196, Para Nuclear power plant is being established not to negate right to life but to protect the right to life guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution. The petitioner s contention that the establishment of nuclear power plant at Kudankulam will make an inroad into the right to live guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution, is therefore has no basis. On the other hand it will only protect the right to life guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution for achieving a larger public interest.

26 Thank You!