Emergence of the Largest Solar Power Plant in Karnataka – A Microscopic Analysis1

This paper with a specific focus on the largest solar producing plant explores many interrelated issues at field level. This project unlike many other developmental projects did not attract resistance from the local communities. Every effort was made to convince the land holders to agree for a long term contract termed to be the one of the successful models particularly in solar energy sector. At the same time the field level investigation reveals that farmers are having some apprehension over the long term contract. It is not an exaggeration to reveal that the project brought out significant economic security and ultimately reduced the outmigration. On the other hand there are chances for negative environmental impact towards local biodiversity. Also a few farmers who leased out the land parcels expressed the fear that at times of emergency during financial requirements the land cannot be either sold or mortgaged. Also there are apprehensions that the local socio-cultural milieu is likely to be affected and dismantled in the long run. After careful examination this paper suggests a few points for both the policy makers and the farmer households to have conflict free contract in the project zone.