Land Dispute and Indigenous Rights in Karbi Anglong: A Continuing Saga
The ongoing saga of a proposed 1,000 MW solar power project in Karbi Anglong district, Assam, has taken a new turn, raising concerns about indigenous land rights and tribal safeguards in the region. This development, although the project has been officially scrapped, underscores the need for careful consideration of such projects in the North East, a region rich in natural resources and home to numerous indigenous communities.
The Abandoned Solar Project
The large-scale solar project, initially proposed on nearly 18,000 bighas of land at Lahorijan, Karbi Anglong district, was scrapped following the withdrawal of a proposed USD 434.25 million loan by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in May 2025. The Government of India had withdrawn its financing request earlier, citing sustained objections and formal complaints raised by the Indigenous Peoples Party (IPP).
Land Lease and Indigenous Rights
Despite the project's abandonment, the 90-year land allotment agreement between the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) and Assam Power Distribution Corporation Limited (APDCL) remains legally valid, sparking concern from the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST). The Commission, during a hearing, expressed its concern about the unresolved status of the land, identifying it as the central issue requiring immediate clarification.
Joint Venture Proposals and Allegations
APDCL, in response, stated that the issue should be treated as closed due to the withdrawal of international funding. However, IPP president Rajen Timung contested this position, stating that cancellation of the project does not automatically cancel the land lease or protect indigenous land rights. Timung also alleged that APDCL has entered into a joint venture agreement with Neyveli Lignite Corporation India Limited (NLCIL) to develop a 500 MW solar project on 8,000 bighas of the same land.
Implications for Karbi Anglong and Beyond
The IPP has alleged that any such projects could displace over 1,500 tribal families, raising grave concerns regarding land rights, consent, and the protection of Scheduled Tribe interests in Karbi Anglong. This development serves as a reminder of the need for careful consideration of projects in the North East, a region home to numerous indigenous communities with unique cultural and environmental concerns.
It is crucial that the principle secretary of KAAC, who was absent from the hearing, provides clarity on the current legal status, usage, and future plans for the land at the next hearing. This will help ensure that the rights of the indigenous communities are protected and that any future development in the region is carried out in a manner that respects and upholds the principles of free, prior, and informed consent.