Jaipur: In western Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district, local communities are rising in protest against a 600 MW solar energy project undertaken by Adani Green Energy Limited. The project, which involves significant government land allocation for renewable energy production, has sparked widespread concerns among residents who view it as a threat to their traditional livelihoods and the region’s protected natural environment.
Under the leadership of Jaisalmer MLA Ravindra Singh Bhati, local residents have mobilised, voicing their strong opposition and demanding that the project be halted. Protesters argue that the land designated for the solar installation has long been vital to their way of life, providing grazing areas and ecological balance that supports the community’s unique and sustainable lifestyle. The allocation of this land, they contend, will disrupt both the local ecosystem and their traditional practices.
The situation escalated as protesters attempted to block access to the project site, leading to police intervention. Authorities detained 30 protesters and arrested 14 individuals who were actively involved in efforts to disrupt the project’s progress. These actions have further fuelled tensions, with community leaders condemning what they see as an attempt to silence local voices without considering their concerns about environmental and social impacts.
Protesters, including members of various local groups and activists, argue that the project not only risks damaging the environment but also threatens to displace communities that have relied on the area for generations. They are urging the government to revoke the land allocation, designating it as a protected area instead, to preserve the ecological integrity and the social fabric of the region.
The conflict reflects a broader challenge facing renewable energy projects in India, where balancing development goals with the rights and needs of local communities and environmental sustainability remains a pressing issue. Local leaders and residents are calling on state and national authorities to reconsider the project, emphasising that long-term progress must account for the preservation of natural resources and local livelihoods.
