NCST Demands Report on Land Allotment for Solar Project in Karbi Anglong
NCST Requests Detailed Report from KAAC
Hojai, Jan 17: The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has requested a comprehensive status update from the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) regarding approximately 18,000 bighas of land that was previously allocated to the Assam Power Distribution Corporation Limited (APDCL) for a planned 1,000 MW solar power initiative in Lahorijan, located in the Karbi Anglong district.
This directive was issued during a hearing on Thursday, despite the fact that the extensive solar project has been officially canceled following the withdrawal of a proposed loan of USD 434.25 million by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The ADB withdrew its funding on May 28, 2025, after the Indian government retracted its financing request on May 23, due to ongoing objections and formal complaints from the Indigenous Peoples Party (IPP).
During the hearing, the NCST raised concerns that even though the project has been abandoned, the 90-year land lease agreement between KAAC and APDCL remains legally binding. The Commission highlighted the need for immediate clarification regarding the unresolved status of the land.
APDCL informed the Commission that, given the withdrawal of international funding, the matter should be considered resolved. However, Rajen Timung, president of the IPP, strongly disagreed, arguing that the cancellation of the project does not nullify the land lease or safeguard indigenous land rights.
Timung also brought to the Commission's attention reports indicating that APDCL has formed a joint venture with Neyveli Lignite Corporation India Limited (NLCIL) to establish a 500 MW solar project on 8,000 bighas of land in the same region. According to the proposal, NLCIL would possess a 51% stake, while APDCL would hold 49%.
In light of these developments, the NCST instructed KAAC to provide a detailed report outlining the current legal status, usage, and future plans for the land at the next final hearing.
The IPP has raised alarms that such projects could displace over 1,500 tribal families, highlighting serious concerns regarding land rights, consent, and the protection of Scheduled Tribe interests in Karbi Anglong. It was also noted that the principal secretary of KAAC was absent from the hearing after requesting an exemption for personal reasons.
The Commission's actions underscore that, despite the project's cancellation, land-related matters and tribal protections in Karbi Anglong will continue to be closely monitored.