India: Assam govt. and ADB push 1,000 MW solar project in Karbi Anglong despite Indigenous opposition over land rights & lack of consent
"India: ADB must stop funding the " Assam Solar Project"", 0 December 2024
The Government of Assam has proposed to build a massive 1,000 MW solar project on the land of Indigenous Peoples in the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), with partial funding from the Asian Development Bank (ADB Project No. 57077-001 in India).
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This Solar project is likely to affect around 9,000 Indigenous villagers in 23 villages. The project is being executed despite stiff resistance from the affected Indigenous peoples.
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the ADB has ignored the strong opposition to the project from the affected Indigenous tribes. The affected Indigenous peoples have submitted petitions to the Government of Assam as well as to the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council to cancel the Solar project.
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The Assam Solar Project is located in Karbi Anglong Autonomous District Council which is designated as a notified tribal area under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
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The ADB claims that “People were supportive about the project; however, they expect fair assessment and compensation for affected lands and assets. Broad community support (BCS) was obtained from all seven villages through consultation and information disclosure.”
However, the situation on the ground seems to be totally different.