Abstract
This study asks the question: Why does environmental risk communication in the nuclear sector fail despite scientific assurances and regulations? Using media discourse analysis of the case of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP), it operationalises the constructs through John Dryzek's (2022) environmental discourse framework. It analyses 243 news articles from The Indian Express (2000–2023), accessed through the CEIC database, supported by government reports and judicial documents. The analysis contrasts a pro-nuclear discourse of techno-scientific rationality and climate commitments with an anti-nuclear narrative shaped by mistrust, fear of radiation proximity, and perceived democratic deficits. Findings reveal a "double entendre goal paradox," wherein both sides seek sustainability but disagree on the means, thereby jeopardising policy legitimacy, while media emerges as both reflector and architect of risk perception. The study proposes a novel Nine-Cs Framework (NCF) for discourse analysis, integrating macro-, micro-, and media-level constructs. It reveals how communication gaps may fracture public trust, highlighting the need for deliberative, participatory, and culturally resonant risk engagement strategies. The study contributes to climate transition literature on policy resilience, particularly in contentious, high-stakes sectors like nuclear energy—a crucial consideration for India's Net Zero goals.