THE CONTEXT: The urgency to address climate change is underscored by the United Nations Climate Change Executive Secretary’s assertion that the next two years are critical for the planet’s future. A shift primarily drives India’s commitment to achieving Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2070 to renewable energy. However, the development of large-scale solar parks, a central component of this strategy, raises concerns about land use, water resources, and the socio-economic impacts on local communities. The experiences of farmers near India’s largest solar parks illustrate the complex trade-offs between environmental sustainability and development.
ISSUES:
- Land Acquisition and Local Impact: In Bhadla, Rajasthan, the development of solar parks has led to the loss of sacred common lands and shrinking grazing lands, negatively impacting pastoralists and leading to protests. In Pavagada, Karnataka, farmers benefit from leasing drought-stricken land for solar parks, providing them with a steady income, although issues like water security and economic disparity remain.
- Resource Competition: Solar parks require significant water to clean solar panels, which could compete with other local water needs. The land used for solar parks could also compete with agricultural land, potentially affecting food security and livelihoods.
- Environmental and Biodiversity Concerns: The construction of solar parks can lead to biodiversity loss, especially in ecosystems like deserts that provide essential services. The overall ecological impact of solar parks, including their contribution to climate change through ecosystem disruption, is under-researched.
- Economic and Social Justice: There is a need for innovative ownership models for solar parks to avoid reproducing the injustices seen in past large-scale infrastructure projects. Community-owned models could enhance local economic benefits, improve energy access, and support local businesses and skills development.
- Regulatory and Governance Challenges: Solar and wind park developments are exempt from Environmental and Social Impact Assessments, which could lead to unaddressed adverse impacts. There is no effective mechanism to ensure fair compensation for small and medium landowners leasing their land for solar projects. Involvement of local governance in the planning and siting solar parks could align development with local objectives and ensure better outcomes.
- Policy and Legal Framework: The classification of wastelands needs revision to better recognize and protect commons under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), potentially improving environmental and equity outcomes. Engaging local governance units like the Gram Sabha in initiating solar park projects could enhance community engagement and project acceptance.
THE WAY FORWARD:
- Integrated Resource and Land Use Planning: Conduct detailed environmental and social impact assessments before developing solar parks. This includes assessing water availability, biodiversity impacts, and socio-economic effects on local communities. Designate specific zones for solar parks that minimize conflicts with agriculture and biodiversity. Utilize degraded lands or non-arable areas to reduce impact on productive land.
- Community-Centric Approaches: Promote models where local communities partly or wholly own solar parks. This can provide a steady income source and increase local acceptance and involvement. Engage local governance structures, such as Gram Sabhas, in the planning and decision-making processes to ensure that the projects align with local needs and priorities.
- Economic and Social Equity Measures: Establish clear guidelines for compensating landowners and communities for land use, ensuring that payments reflect fair market values and potential future earnings lost due to land repurposing. Implement programs to train residents for jobs in the construction and maintenance of solar parks, which can help offset job losses in sectors like agriculture.
- Environmental Safeguards: Incorporate biodiversity-friendly practices in the design and management of solar parks, such as creating buffer zones, wildlife corridors, and habitats within or around them. Develop and implement water-saving technologies and practices for cleaning solar panels, such as using robotic cleaning systems that minimize water usage.
- Legal and Regulatory Frameworks: Amend existing laws to require environmental and social impact assessments for renewable energy projects. This would help identify potential adverse impacts early in the project lifecycle. Establish robust mechanisms to monitor solar parks’ environmental and social effects and ensure compliance with regulatory standards and commitments.
- Technological and Design Innovations: Invest in research and development of new solar technologies that require less land and water, such as floating solar panels on reservoirs and other water bodies. Explore agrivoltaics, which combines agriculture with solar photovoltaics, allowing for dual land use that supports energy generation and agricultural production.
- Policy Support and Incentives: Provide financial incentives for solar parks that achieve specific environmental and social standards, such as maintaining high biodiversity levels or using water-efficient technologies. Develop policies to support communities adversely affected by the shift from traditional land uses to solar park development, including financial aid and alternative livelihood opportunities.
THE CONCLUSION:
To ensure that the expansion of renewable energy, like solar parks, contributes positively to sustainable development, India must explore innovative ownership models, revise legal frameworks for environmental and social assessments, and engage local governance in decision-making. Revising wasteland classification and recognizing commons under the Forest Rights Act could enhance ecological and equity outcomes. A balanced approach that considers the needs of local communities, the environment, and the nation’s energy goals is essential for a just transition to a low-carbon future.
UPSC PAST YEAR QUESTION:
Q.1 Explain the purpose of the Green Grid Initiative launched at world leaders Summit of the COP 26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glassgow in November, 2021. When was this idea first floated in the International Solar Alliance (ISA)? 2021
MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:
Q.1 Critically analyze the role of large-scale solar parks in India’s climate change mitigation strategy. Discuss the socio-economic and environmental implications at both local and national levels, and suggest measures to align these projects with sustainable development goals.
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