Reimagining exclusion zones for enabling SMR deployment in India's nuclear future

India's ambitious nuclear expansion plan hinges on the deployment of Small modular reactors (SMRs), which offer flexibility, enhanced safety, and suitability for diverse applications like industrial cogeneration, hydrogen production, and off-grid power. However, the current nuclear siting regulation mandating at least 1 km exclusion zone around all reactors, regardless of hazard profile, undermines the spatial and economic advantages of SMRs. This article argues for a shift to a performance-based risk-informed regulatory approach that reflects modern reactor safety features and international best practices. It discusses the evolution of exclusion zones, critiques the limitations of India's prescriptive framework, and proposes pathways for reform-including differentiated zoning based on reactor type, decoupling of safety and security criteria, and integrated land use. A performance-based risk-informed zoning model could significantly reduce land requirement for SMRs, enabling more compact siting and significant cost savings without compromising on safety. Ultimately, the goal is to enable compact, safe, and publicly acceptable deployment of SMRs while maintaining robust radiological protection standards.