Panaji, May 12, 2025:
The Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) has strongly opposed the Union Government’s proposal to establish a nuclear power plant in Goa, calling it a “reckless and unacceptable” move that endangers the state’s ecology, economy, and public safety.
In a sharply worded press statement issued on Monday, GPCC President Amit Patkar condemned Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar’s recent proposal to set up a nuclear facility in Goa. Patkar alleged that the announcement reflects the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) blatant disregard for Goa’s environmental integrity and the welfare of its people.
“Goa is not a dumping ground for the BJP’s dangerous experiments,” Patkar said. “This plan is scientifically flawed, environmentally disastrous, and socially unacceptable. The Congress will oppose it tooth and nail.”
Calling the proposal a “direct attack” on Goa’s land, livelihoods, and legacy, Patkar emphasized the state’s fragile ecological balance, citing the Western Ghats, rich biodiversity, and dependence on tourism and fishing industries as critical areas under threat. He accused the BJP of already having inflicted significant damage through deforestation, controversial infrastructure projects, and land acquisitions that have impacted rivers, hills, forests, and farmland.
“The world still remembers the catastrophic consequences of nuclear disasters like Chernobyl and Fukushima. Goa does not have the capacity — in terms of land, water, or emergency response infrastructure — to handle a nuclear accident,” he added.
Patkar also questioned the relevance of nuclear power in today’s energy landscape, labeling it as outdated, costly, and dangerous. He criticized the BJP for failing to explore cleaner, renewable energy alternatives that would be more suitable for Goa.
“This is not development — it is a political assault on Goa’s autonomy and the people’s right to shape their own future,” Patkar said. “We will not let Goa be turned into a high-risk experimental site for the BJP’s ambitions.”
Warning of strong resistance, Patkar announced that the Congress Party is prepared to launch a mass agitation if the central government pushes ahead with the nuclear plant proposal. He called on Goans across political affiliations to unite in opposition.
“If the Centre dares to move forward with this plan, we will take the fight from the Assembly to the streets to the courts,” Patkar declared. “Our land is not for sale, and our future is not up for negotiation. Goa is not the BJP’s laboratory.”
