The Land Dilemma: How Conflicts over Land use could India's slow Energy Transition
Keywords:
Green energy projects, Land disputes, Renewable energy, Land acquisition, Community rights, Sustainable development, India.Abstract
In rapid expansion of green energy projects in India, driven by the nation’s commitment to sustainable development and renewable energy targets, has significantly altered patterns of land use across rural and semi-urban regions. While such projects are essential for reducing carbon emissions and promoting energy security, they have also triggered a series of land-related disputes involving local communities, private developers, and government agencies. These disputes often arise from issues such as inadequate land acquisition processes, insufficient compensation, lack of transparent consultation, and the displacement of traditional livelihoods. The intersection of environmental goals with social justice concerns highlights the needs for balanced policy frameworks that ensures equitable land allocation, protects community rights, and maintain investor’s confidence. This paper critically examines the causes, nature, and legal dimensions of land disputes in green energy projects in India, and proposes policy measures to harmonize developmental objectives with social and environmental sustainability.
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