Liability and Regulatory Aspects of Nuclear Energy Promotion in South Asia

Abstract

South Asia (SAARC) represents an interesting region to anyone who follows nuclear energy development. Out of the four Non-“Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty” States, two are in South Asia—India and Pakistan, both having civilian nuclear energy and weapons programmes. Apart from these two countries, Bangladesh has recently initiated setting up nuclear energy, and Sri Lanka is contemplating on the possible options. International Atomic Energy Agency has predicted that Asia will drive the nuclear energy growth worldwide, and in it South Asia remains an important element. South Asian countries are pursuing the civilian nuclear energy programme, even though it remains an option which is linked to international legal and regulatory scrutiny and compliance on security and safety, on the hope that in the long run nuclear power will be economically viable, less volatile than conventional fossil fuels which is currently imported draining massive foreign reserves, and above all environmentally friendly. The thrust towards nuclear power especially in SAARC has to be seen in this context. The chapter provides background of nuclear energy programmes in South Asia, tracks the legal, liability and regulatory regimes that are in compliance with international law, details individual countries liability and regulatory regime and concludes with a view that SAARC should work with a common approach with respect to nuclear safety and security.