3 weeks ago
DVC's Rs 1,200-crore Maithon solar project faces fresh protests
A big company called Damodar Valley Corporation wants to build floating solar panels on a lake called Maithon Dam.
Solar panels make electricity from sunlight, and floating them on water saves land.
The project costs Rs 1,200 crore and would be the biggest floating solar plant in the state.
But many families who live near the lake are upset.
Their families gave up their land long ago so the lake could be built, and they say they never got the money or jobs they were promised.
Fishermen are also scared that the big panels on the water will stop fish from breeding, which would take away their work and food.
The villagers, joined by displaced families from another state, plan to protest and stop construction materials from coming in.
The company and local officials say they have settled all the arguments and work will start soon.
The company also says the project will help the environment by cutting about 400,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year.
Damodar Valley Corporation's Rs 1,200-crore floating solar project at Maithon Dam in Bengal's Salanpur block faces fresh protests from residents of 12 surrounding villages.
Protesters under the Damodar Valley Bastuhara Sangram Committee threaten to block all project work and prevent construction materials from entering the area.
Displaced families from West Bengal and Jharkhand say project decisions were made without local consultation and that rehabilitation and settlement issues remain unresolved.
DVC, the Salanpur Block Development Officer, and local police held a tripartite meeting days earlier, after which authorities said disputes were settled and construction would start.
TrueRE Oriana Power won the EPC contract for the 234 MW project, which is projected to offset about 400,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.
- Who
- Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC), EPC contractor TrueRE Oriana Power, and villagers organized under the Damodar Valley Bastuhara Sangram Committee.
- What
- A Rs 1,200-crore, 234 MW floating solar project at Maithon Dam faces threatened protests over rehabilitation, compensation, and livelihood concerns.
- Where
- Maithon Dam Reservoir, Sidhabari, Salanpur block, Paschim Bardhaman district, West Bengal; protesters also gathered at Kalipathar National Football Ground.
- When
- Protesters announced a major demonstration for this week; a tripartite meeting was held days earlier.
- Why
- Villagers and displaced families say promised compensation and employment from the original 1954 reservoir project were never delivered, and they fear the solar arrays will disrupt fishing livelihoods.
Protesters' Stance
DVC and Authorities' Stance
Local Consultation
Protesters' Stance
Critical project decisions were finalized without consulting local stakeholders, and communities were not involved in the process.
DVC and Authorities' Stance
After a tripartite meeting with DVC, the Salanpur BDO, and local police, authorities announced all disputes were amicably settled and construction would commence shortly.
Rehabilitation and Compensation
Protesters' Stance
Families who sacrificed ancestral lands for the 1954 reservoir project never received the financial compensation or employment guarantees promised, and rehabilitation issues remain unresolved.
DVC and Authorities' Stance
Authorities declared that all disputes were settled following the tripartite meeting, clearing the way for construction to begin.
Environment and Livelihoods
Protesters' Stance
Floating solar arrays could disrupt aquatic breeding cycles, destroying the primary income and nutrition source of local fishing communities.
DVC and Authorities' Stance
DVC assured local officials it would protect existing livelihoods and generate new regional economic opportunities, while offsetting about 400,000 tonnes of CO2 annually.
Key facts
- Project
- 234 MW grid-connected floating solar photovoltaic (FSPV) plant, set to be the largest in the state
- Location
- Maithon Dam Reservoir, Salanpur block, Paschim Bardhaman district, West Bengal
- Cost
- Rs 1,200 crore
- EPC Contractor
- TrueRE Oriana Power
- Projected CO2 Offset
- Approximately 400,000 tonnes annually
- Protest Group
- Damodar Valley Bastuhara Sangram Committee
- Original Reservoir Project
- 1954
- Opposing Villages
- 12 surrounding villages (14 village names listed in the article)
Sources
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