Archive · 3 Jun 2025
Assam Solar Project Loan Canceled After Indigenous Group's Campaign
A group of indigenous communities in Assam successfully stopped a big solar power project.
The project was planned on land that belonged to these communities.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) was going to give a loan for the project, but after the communities protested and the government asked them to stop it, they cancelled the loan.
The communities were worried the project would take their land and harm the environment.
They said the project would also have violated their rights.
The ADB stated that the decision to cancel the loan followed a request for withdrawal from the Ministry of Finance.
This victory might help other communities fight against similar projects.
The ADB canceled a $434.25 million loan for a solar project in Assam.
The loan cancellation followed a request from the Ministry of Finance.
The project was to be built on 2,400 hectares of land, potentially displacing 20,000 people.
Indigenous communities protested the project due to land and environmental concerns.
The communities claimed their campaign led to the loan cancellation.
- Who
- A group representing Adivasi, Karbi, and Naga communities and the ADB.
- What
- The ADB canceled a loan for the Assam Solar Project.
- When
- The loan was cancelled after the Ministry of Finance requested the withdrawal on May 23.
- Where
- Karbi Anglong district, Assam.
- Why
- The loan was canceled following pressure from indigenous communities, who opposed the project due to potential land displacement and environmental concerns.
- Project Location
- Karbi Anglong district, Assam
- Loan Amount
- $434.25 million
- Affected Communities
- Adivasi, Karbi, and Naga
- Land Area
- 2,400 hectares
- Power Generation Goal
- 500 megawatts
- Date of Loan Cancellation Request
- May 23
- ADB Loan Approval Date
- October 24, 2024