Daijiworld Media Network - Margao
Margao, May 14: Goa Forward Party chief Vijai Sardesai has come out strongly against the idea of setting up a nuclear power plant in Goa, warning of dire consequences for the state’s fragile ecology and tourism-driven economy. His comments follow recent speculation surrounding Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar’s suggestion of such a project, which has stirred political debate and public anxiety.
Speaking at a press conference, Sardesai said the very notion of deploying high-risk infrastructure like a nuclear facility in a state that “lacks a credible disaster management system” is fundamentally flawed. “A nuclear power plant in Goa is bound to be opposed by locals due to legitimate safety and environmental concerns,” he asserted.
Drawing a grim comparison, Sardesai warned of a "Chernobyl-type disaster" scenario, which he said would obliterate the tourism industry — the backbone of Goa’s economy. “Goa’s small size, dense population, rich biodiversity, and dependence on tourism make it wholly unsuitable for such a high-risk venture,” he said.
He also lashed out at the Goa government’s silence on the issue, questioning why such a critical matter was not brought up in the recently concluded Goa Legislative Assembly session. “It is indeed shocking that this decision is being considered without taking Goemkars or their elected representatives into confidence,” he said.
Sardesai ridiculed Khattar’s remarks as “thoughtless” and accused the state government of failing in its duty to protect Goa’s interests. “This is not just an environmental issue. It’s about national security, strategic vulnerability, and the socio-economic future of Goa. One radioactive leak and tourism will be wiped out overnight.”
Instead of nuclear energy, Sardesai advocated for renewable energy alternatives such as solar and wind, which he said align more naturally with Goa’s ecological and economic realities.
He concluded with a direct demand for clarity from the “Double Engine Sarkar”: “Let the government come clean. Tell the people what is really being planned. Goa cannot afford to sleepwalk into a disaster.”
As the debate gains momentum, environmental groups, tourism stakeholders, and civil society are expected to weigh in — potentially making this a defining issue in Goa’s political landscape.