[Full response attached]

"...There are three main allegations – (i) land has been forcibly seized violating rights of landholders, (ii) there has been forced displacement & (iii) disturbance of an ecologically sensitive elephant corridor and that there has been violence perpetrated against these groups in the village... Claims that Azure Power has ‘forcibly’ taken over the land resulting in violation of human rights of those cultivating the land is incorrect and erroneous. Azure has purchased the land from bona fide land owners on a willing seller-willing buyer basis in accordance with state policies and local laws..."

"...On the issue of the Elephant corridor – It is alleged that the project site falls under a notified elephant corridor and no Environment and Social Impact assessment was undertaken prior to initiation of the project activity. Again, the claim is false and baseless. We are aware of the intermittent movement of elephants in and around the village of Mikir Bamuni and understand that safety of these animals is important. However, such sporadic visits by elephant in search of food and other reason does not classify an area as elephant corridor. All elephant corridors of the country have been identified by Wild Life Trust of India in 2005 and the latest update, lists 101 elephant corridor across India and none of which falls near the project site. We have followed all due diligence during the procurement process and have clear No Objection Certificate from the Forest department dated October 4 2019, which mentions that the land, where the project is being constructed, does not fall under any Notified Elephant Corridor..."

"...On the issue of violence perpetrated by the police at project site - This claim is again incorrect. Presence of police at the project site is not a regular feature, and has been sought only in exceptional situations - where there was imminent threat and danger to the safety and wellbeing of our site workers and employed villagers. The project witnessed disturbance and obstruction of work... specially in the month of December 2020... While companies like Azure and others who set up any projects in the state, must follow the law of the land and additionally also contribute to the society through their social initiatives, it is very important that we understand the need for all parties to come together to encourage players in the renewable energy space..."