Gujarat's Banni Grasslands Face Threat from Solar Project, Leaving Maldhari Community's Livelihood at Risk
मुख्य बातें
- •The proposed solar project by NTPC Renewable Energy Limited in Gujarat's Banni grasslands has sparked widespread protests and concerns among the local Maldhari community.
- •The project, which is spread across 16 villages, covers an area of approximately 4,500 acres, including nearly 1,400 acres between the Kiro hill and the Ramsar site.
- •The Chhari Dhand wetland conservation reserve, a fragile ecological site, is located at the center of the proposed project site, raising concerns about the potential impact on the ecosystem.
- •The Maldhari community has been vocal in their opposition to the project, with many expressing concerns about the potential loss of their livelihood.
- •The locals have demanded a re-survey of the site, with local BJP MLA Pradyumansinh Jadeja backing their demands, and have met Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel to press their case.
The Banni grasslands in Gujarat's Kachchh district, a vital ecosystem and home to the Maldhari community, are facing a significant threat from a proposed solar project by NTPC Renewable Energy Limited. The project, which is slated to be set up on the grassland, has sparked widespread protests and concerns among the local community, who fear that it will impact their livelihood as pastoralists. The Maldhari community, comprising thousands of Muslim families, has been living in the Banni grasslands for generations, relying on the land for grazing their livestock and earning a living.
