According to ADB, the proposed project will support the construction of a 500 MW grid-connected solar PV facility in Assam's Karbi Anglong district. The project will support a joint venture (with 49% public ownership) that will develop a pilot grid-connected battery storage installation. This facility will be used to test the impact on grid stability and frequency regulation of a large intermittent solar generating facility. The Project will also invest to improve electricity distribution in areas adjacent to the solar PV site.

Funding will also be provided by way of viability gap financing to reduce the offtake tariff from the 250 MW solar PV plant that will constructed under PPP modality on the adjacent site.

The project seeks to address the need to rapidly scale-up Assam's installed solar PV capacity to meet the targets set by central and state governments. The proposed solution has been designed to meet the state government's desire retain ownership of some solar PV capacity while introducing private sector participation in construction, operations and maintenance, and investment.

On 23rd May 2025, ADB cancelled the loan and TA for this project pursuant to the government’s request.

The project threatens to displace around 20,000 Indigenous Karbi, Naga, and Adivasi families in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district by acquiring 2,500 hectares of their ancestral and agricultural lands. The project has proceeded without obtaining free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) of the affected communities, in violation of constitutional protections under the Sixth Schedule and international human rights standards such as ILO 169 and UNDRIP. Consultations were limited to only 9 of the 23 impacted villages, and communities were kept uninformed about key project documents and safeguards, which were also not provided in their local languages. Allegations of intimidation, fraudulent land acquisition by outsiders, and the misrepresentation of community support in official documents further highlight procedural and ethical violations. The project threatens ecologically sensitive areas near national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and elephant corridors, and is likely to destroy vital water sources and bamboo forests. Women, children, and the elderly are expected to bear the brunt of the social fallout, including loss of livelihood and forced migration. The affected communities organised under the Karbi Anglong Solar Power Project Affected People’s Rights Committee (Committee) are demanding a halt to land acquisition and loan disbursement until full transparency, inclusive consultation, environmental reassessment, and legal recognition of customary land rights are ensured.

The population of the district is predominantly indigenous. The major tribal ethnic groups of this district are Karbis, Bodos, Kukis, Dimasas, Hmars, Garos, Rengma Nagas, Tiwas, and Man (Tai Speaking). Besides, many non-tribals also live together in this hill region.

Total number of affected household/ family loosing land is 1277 from IP group who are customary land owners. From this group a total of 38 residential structures will be affected owned by 32 customary land owners. Two religious structures (church) will be affected. Additionally, 102 number of agricultural tenants (non-IP households) will be affected who are using the customary land owners’ land on lease basis and built structures (total 102 structures built by tenants).

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.