Solar power plant promoters turn land sharks

Tandur (Ranga Reddy): Small and marginal farmers of Indoor in Peddemul mandal are apprehensive that the proposed solar power plant in the village may rob them of their livelihood as its promoters are on a land `grabbing’ spree through intimidation. According to some local people, the promoters purchased land in the village for setting up of the solar power plant.

As the land was inadequate for their total requirements, the promoters started grabbing the lands in the vicinity of the proposed site for the solar power plant, they said. It was alleged that the promoters who are highly influential, initiated moves to grab the lands in survey numbers 151 (10 acres and 39 cents), 211 (3 acres of government land), 116, 117 and 118 (Indira Jala Prabha lands of Dalits), and 196 (20 acres of patta land). But the landowners were not aware of the fact that their lands were going to be encroached by the solar power plant promoters, who are claiming that they got all necessary permissions from the Centre.

In some government lands, the promoters started ground levelling work by deploying heavy earth moving machinery. Cement poles for lighting and other purposes were also erected on the land in survey No 221. An approach road was being laid on the land in survey No 169. The promoters also pitched tents at the place to provide accommodation to workers. They threatened the land owners when the latter questioned the former about the ground levelling works.

The revenue authorities remained mute spectators while the promoters were on a land grabbing spree, said the affected farmers. Expressing fear of displacement, the farmers said: ``the Revenue authorities should prevent the promoters of the solar power plant from attaining prosperity by spreading darkness in our lives.’’

When contacted, Tahsildar Gangadhar said no permission was given for setting up of a solar power plant in the village. ``We came to know that some people started ground levelling works in the village. We immediately got the works halted. Stern action would be taken against the promoters if they took up unauthorised constructions in the village.’’