Land acquisition for green power? 'Worst decision' by Union govt on environment

By Shankar Sharma*
This has reference to a news report which says that the Central government is looking for land acquisition for 500 GW green power projects. Only a few days ago, a recent amendment seeking to implement the Time-of-Day (TOD) metering system to optimise the usage of electricity across the country so as to minimise the overall societal level costs, was welcomed as one of the best decisions to be implemented to improve the overall performance of electricity sector in the country in recent years. It was long overdue.

The reported decision the news seeking states to focus on land acquisition to meet 500 GW green power target by 2030, can also be deemed as one of the worst decisions by the Union govt. against the overall interest of the environment and hence our people.
Acquisition of such large chunks of land, running into many thousands of acres in total, cannot make such projects truly green in an overall perspective; especially in the larger context that the decentralised renewal energy (RE) projects such as rooftop Solar PV systems, have humongous potential in our country. They also can overcome many of the chronic issues confronting the power sector today, such as leading to vast reduction in the financial burden of the state, and in minimising the technical and commercial losses in electricity transmission and distribution.
It is deplorable that despite numerous articles, reports, opinion pieces, which have strongly advocated for the widespread usage of rooftop Solar PV systems, the Union govt. has not come out with any policy analysis paper as to why the large size RE projects such as land based solar power parks are being preferred. The keen observers of the power sector tend to associate such a lack of clarity in the case of the Power Ministry with many undesirable vested interest possibilities.
Will RK Singh, Union Minister for Power, urge ask the officials of ministry and the NITI Aayog to diligently consider all these associated issues and issue a diligently prepared policy paper along with a National Energy Policy?
---
*Power & Climate Policy Analyst. Based on the author's representation to RK Singh, Union Minister for Power, GOI, New Delhi, with copies to Vice-Chairperson, NITI Aayog, Union Finance Minister, Union Minister for EF&CC, and Prime Minister

Swami Vivekananda's views on caste and sexuality were 'painfully' regressive

By Bhaskar Sur* Swami Vivekananda now belongs more to the modern Hindu mythology than reality. It makes a daunting job to discover the real human being who knew unemployment, humiliation of losing a teaching job for 'incompetence', longed in vain for the bliss of a happy conjugal life only to suffer the consequent frustration.

Hoping against despair after Myanmar President’s visit to India

By Nava Thakuria Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing’s five-day official visit to India from 30 May to 3 June 2026 drew attention both in New Delhi and in India’s northeastern region, where policymakers and residents closely follow developments in the neighbouring country. The visit was significant because it touched on several issues of mutual concern, including security cooperation, border management, connectivity projects, trade, and regional stability.

Beyond data: The economist who refused to remain in the ivory tower

By Vikas Meshram There are few people who are born into privilege yet choose to dedicate their lives to the cause of the poor. Jean Drèze is one such individual. Born on January 22, 1959, in Leuven, Belgium, into the family of a distinguished economist, Drèze has become one of the most influential voices in the study of poverty, inequality, and social policy in India. Having lived in India since 1979, he adopted Indian citizenship in 2002 and has since played a pivotal role in shaping some of the country's most important welfare initiatives.

Counterview

Search This Blog