📰 Rajasthan Approves 9 Solar-Hydro Projects, Threatening Over 700,000 Trees and Forest Ecosystems

Jaipur | June 2025 – The Rajasthan government has approved nine major solar-hydro (pumped storage) power projects aimed at boosting the state’s renewable energy capacity. However, environmental experts and local communities warn that the move could result in a severe ecological disaster, including the deforestation of thousands of hectares of forest land and displacement of wildlife.

🌳 Over 3,800 Hectares of Forest to Be Cleared

According to official data and environmental assessments, these projects will require the clearing of approximately 3,800 hectares of forest, leading to the potential loss of more than 700,000 mature trees. The affected regions primarily fall within the Aravalli and Vindhyachal ranges, which are rich in biodiversity and home to several protected species.

⚡ What Are Solar-Hydro Pumped Storage Projects?

These facilities function by using solar energy to pump water into elevated reservoirs during the day. The stored water is then released to generate electricity during peak demand hours or at night. While promoted as a green solution for energy storage, these projects consume large amounts of land and water, raising serious environmental concerns.

🐾 Ecological Impact: Wildlife at Risk

The forest areas in Baran (Shahabad), Kota, and nearby districts are habitats for endangered species such as leopards, sloth bears, vultures, and other native wildlife. Experts warn that:

The fragmentation of forests will interrupt migration corridors.

Increased human-wildlife conflict is inevitable due to shrinking habitats.

Traditional tribal livelihoods, which rely on forest produce, will be severely impacted.

“These forests are not just trees—they are ecosystems that support entire communities of animals and people,” said an environmental activist from Baran.

🧑‍🌾 Tribal Voices and Legal Violations

Tribal communities from villages like Moondiyar in Baran district have raised their voices against land acquisition without consultation or proper rehabilitation. Many fear the loss of forest rights and ancestral land under the guise of development.

⚖️ Supreme Court Issues Warning

The Supreme Court of India recently warned the Rajasthan government that proceeding with construction without legally mandated compensatory afforestation (planting 10 trees for every one cut) could result in contempt. The court hinted that if norms are violated, project construction may be halted or even dismantled.

🔋 Are There Greener Alternatives?

Environmentalists suggest using Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) as a sustainable alternative. BESS requires far less land and water, involves minimal disruption to ecosystems, and can be deployed faster and more efficiently.

📌 Conclusion: Growth vs. Green Balance

While Rajasthan’s push for clean energy is commendable, experts urge the state to ensure that renewable development does not come at the cost of irreplaceable natural heritage. As the world moves toward sustainability, energy transitions must be ecological, not just technological.
🔍 What Makes These Projects Controversial?

While solar-hydro pumped storage projects are technically renewable, their execution in Rajasthan raises red flags for several reasons:

🌐 1. Massive Land and Water Use in a Semi-Arid State

Rajasthan is India’s driest major state, where water scarcity is already a critical issue. These pumped storage plants need:

Two large reservoirs (upper and lower)

Continuous water cycles to generate electricity

Land for solar panels, transmission lines, roads, and reservoirs

In this context, diverting water for storage energy, especially in water-stressed districts like Baran, Jhalawar, and Banswara, could be devastating to agriculture, groundwater recharge, and rural livelihoods.

🌲 2. Location in Ecologically Sensitive Zones

Many approved projects are located in:

Shahabad forests (Baran) — known for rich biodiversity

Aravalli hills — one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world

Tribal areas under the Fifth Schedule — where land acquisition requires special constitutional protections

Despite these sensitivities, project clearances were granted under "fast-track" mechanisms, bypassing public consultations in many cases.

🧭 3. Conflict With Forest & Tribal Laws

Several laws are being allegedly bypassed:

Forest Conservation Act, 1980 — requires compensatory afforestation

Forest Rights Act, 2006 — mandates consent from Gram Sabhas before diverting forest land

Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) norms — reports have allegedly been rushed or inadequately disclosed

Tribal groups and activists argue that community forest rights were not honored, and villagers were either uninformed or pressured into consent.

📉 4. Sustainability vs Greenwashing

While green energy is critical for climate goals, solar-hydro storage isn’t always “green” if:

It replaces forests with concrete reservoirs

Displaces wildlife or causes water stress

Ignores existing forest-dependent communities

This creates a paradox: destroying ecosystems in the name of sustainable energy. Critics call it "greenwashing" — using environmental branding for ecologically harmful projects.

📢 Voices of Opposition

Supreme Court: Strongly objected to non-compliance with afforestation laws; threatened contempt proceedings.

Environmental NGOs: Like Kalpavriksh and Legal Initiative for Forest and Environment (LIFE) are campaigning to halt the projects.

Local Tribal Communities: Protesting silently but increasingly organizing to demand legal protection.

🔋 Viable Alternatives

Experts recommend:

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS): Much faster to deploy, zero deforestation, modular design

Agro-solar or floating solar: Use agricultural or water bodies for solar power without major land change

Distributed energy models: Rooftop solar and local grids reduce transmission and ecological loss

🔚 Final Thoughts

Rajasthan’s energy ambitions are valid, but development without ecological balance is self-defeating. India is already facing severe biodiversity loss and climate volatility — turning forests into powerplants may solve one problem by creating several others.