According to ADB, the proposed loan will enable the borrower to construct a 80-megawatt solar photovoltaic based power plant in the state of Gujarat in India.The project will further diversify the energy mix of India in favor of renewable energy and is aligned with the target of Government of India to reach 500 gigawatts of nonfossil energy capacity and meet 50% of electricity requirement from renewable energy sources, thereby reducing the carbon intensity of the economy by 45% by 2030. It will also facilitate the entry of a large international energy company in India.

The proposed project is located on ~332 Acres land ranging from flat to slightly undulating private agricultural & open scrubland across two villages namely Jhakan and Kataria under Limbdi tehsil/Block of Surendranagar district in the state of Gujarat.

Environment Aspects

An initial environmental and social impact examination was prepared by an independent consultant. The anticipated environmental impacts (ecology, noise, dust, waste generation and soil erosion) likely to result from construction activities are site specific, short term and can be effectively managed through good project management measures as per environmental management plans. Occupational health and safety risks will be mitigated through the development of a health and safety plan that will include routine training, monitoring, and provision of personal protective equipment. Consistent with ADB's Safeguard Policy Statement requirements, environmental and occupational health and safety provisions will be incorporated into the construction agreements.

The bird surveys confirmed the presence of the lesser floricans utilizing grassland to the south of the project for lekking. The layout of the solar panels and the route of the transmission line has been altered to avoid impacts to their breeding ground. The transmission line will be partially constructed underground to avoid the lekking area. Collision and electrocution risks to other avifauna, including the white-rumped vulture, will be mitigated through installation of bird flight diverters and increased separation between energized and grounded components. A biodiversity action plan with enhanced mitigation and monitoring measures will be implemented.

Involuntary Resettlement

The project will lease about 300 acres of land (against 332 acres of surveyed land belonging to 116 landowners) which is flat to slightly undulating private agricultural land. No physical displacement will occur from project's development.

A land acquisition audit was conducted to validate the land leasing process. Based on the audit, all interviewed landowners willingly entered into the lease and are satisfied with the annual lease amount. The study also identified farm workers who will be economically displaced because of conversion of agricultural land for the solar power plant. A livelihood restoration plan has been developed.

A resettlement framework was prepared to cover right of way for transmission line. Once the route for the transmission line is finalized, a resettlement plan will be developed.

Indigenous Peoples

No land owned by indigenous peoples or scheduled tribes or castes has been leased, and no adverse effect on distinct and vulnerable indigenous people is expected.

Stakeholder Communication, Participation and Consulation

The project will develop stakeholder engagement plan and community development plan. A detailed grievance redress mechanism will be developed before commencement of civil works.

ACCESS TO INFORMATION

You can submit an information request for project information at: https://www.adb.org/forms/request-information-form

ADB has a two-stage appeals process for requesters who believe that ADB has denied their request for information in violation of its Access to Information Policy. You can learn more about filing an appeal at: https://www.adb.org/site/disclosure/appeals

ACCOUNTABILITY MECHANISM OF ADB

The Accountability Mechanism is an independent complaint mechanism and fact-finding body for people who believe they are likely to be, or have been, adversely affected by an Asian Development Bank-financed project. If you submit a complaint to the Accountability Mechanism, they may investigate to assess whether the Asian Development Bank is following its own policies and procedures for preventing harm to people or the environment. You can learn more about the Accountability Mechanism and how to file a complaint at: http://www.adb.org/site/accountability-mechanism/main.