NGO launches campaign against nuclear liability bill

An international NGO has launched an online campaign against the nuclear liability bill alleging that the proposed legislation lets US corporations off the hook for any nuclear accidents they may cause on Indian soil.

An international NGO has launched an online campaign against the nuclear liability bill alleging that the proposed legislation lets US corporations off the hook for any nuclear accidents they may cause on Indian soil.

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The online petition posted by GreenPeace alleges that the UPA government is churning out "one hazardous bill after another".

"The Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage bill lets US corporations off the hook for any nuclear accidents they cause on Indian soil. They would only have to pay a meagre amount and Indian taxpayers would be stuck paying crores for the nuclear clean up and to compensate the victims," the petition read.

GreenPeace alleged the government was "appeasing American interests and ignoring our safety".

The petition also asked the Prime Minister to hold a public consultation before a vote on the bill in Parliament.

"India must hold public consultation before changing the liability rules for any nuclear accidents caused by US corporations," the petition read.

With the BJP and Left parties having strong reservations over the nuclear liability bill, government today deferred the introduction in Lok Sabha of the nuclear liability bill which is a key step in operationalisation of the landmark Indo-US nuclear deal.