The National Solar Energy Federation of India (NSEFI), an umbrella organisation of companies associated with renewable energy, has written to Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma seeking his “urgent intervention” in Barmer claiming that projects worth Rs 8,500 crore are stalled due to Independent MLA from Sheo, Ravindra Singh Bhati.
The letter, written by Subrahmanyam Puplika, Chief Executive Officer of NSEFI, states that Renewable Energy (RE) developers of both wind and solar energy projects in the Sheo area of Barmer “are facing persistent and extensive disruptive challenges due to actions by the local independent MLA. RE projects situated within his constituency are facing severe Right of Way (RoW) issues deliberately orchestrated by this individual. Furthermore, project employees have been subjected to threats and intimidation, with demands that amount to extortion.”
The letter, also marked to the Prime Minister’s Office, states: “As a result of these unjustified interventions, projects up to the quantum of 2000 Megawatts have been stalled for prolonged periods ranging from 3 to 6 months without any resolution. Such behaviour is unprecedented in Rajasthan, which has previously been celebrated for its business-friendly policies and smooth project execution. The total investments that are adversely affected due to this untowardly intervention is to the tune of 8500 crores INR.”
Talking to The Indian Express, Bhati, a first time MLA, said, “Till today, there was no one to raise the issues of farmers, hence the allegations. We are not against development, but we are not ready to accept vinash (destruction) in the name of vikas (development).
Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji is running ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ while companies here are cutting 100s of trees, it is not acceptable at all.”
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