- The Asian Development Bank (ADB)-funded Assam Solar Park has sparked protests from local communities, who accuse the project of ‘Green Grabbing’—the unjust appropriation of indigenous land under the guise of environmental sustainability.
- This issue highlights the growing conflict between large-scale green energy projects and the rights of local populations.
What is Green Grabbing?
- Green Grabbing refers to the acquisition of land and natural resources under the pretext of achieving environmental goals.
- While such projects often claim to promote sustainability and climate action, they can lead to unintended socio-economic consequences for local communities.
How Green Grabbing Occurs
- Land is repurposed for carbon offset projects, afforestation, biodiversity conservation zones, or renewable energy initiatives like solar and wind farms.
- Local populations are often displaced, losing their traditional lands and livelihoods.
- It threatens food security by reducing agricultural land and disrupting indigenous farming practices.
- Traditional ecological knowledge systems that protect agro-biodiversity are often ignored or eroded.
