"National Security Or Cronyism?": The Adani Solar Plant Controversy Explained
An explosive report by The Guardian on Wednesday revealed that the Modi government relaxed national security protocols at the India-Pakistan border for billionaire industrialist Gautam Adani and his massive solar project in Gujarat’s Rann of Kutch.
The change in protocols also paved the way for similar constructions on the border with neighbouring countries, including China, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Myanmar, based on the documents the British newspaper accessed.
Since the report surfaced, several opposition leaders slammed the Modi government for prioritising Adani’s business interests over India’s national interest and endangering the security of the nation.
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The Deal
In April 2023, Gujarat officials wrote a letter to the Prime Minister’s Office requesting a solar proposal to be discussed with the Ministry of Defence. On April 21, a confidential government meeting, attended by the director general of military operations, Gujarat officials, and the ministry of renewable energy, was held in Delhi to discuss the matter.
The matter was grave. The solar proposal suggested constructing solar panels and wind turbines 1 km away from the border with Pakistan in the Rann of Kutch on land leased out by the Gujarat government.
According to private communications and confidential government minutes accessed by The Guardian, senior military officials raised “apprehensions” about what it would mean for solar panels to be placed along the international border.
The Rann of Kutch has been a target in India-Pakistan conflicts. It is also adjacent to Sir Creek, a disputed territory with Pakistan.
The developers assured that solar platforms would work in favour to mitigate any threat from enemy tank movements. Military officials then appealed for adjustments, which were rejected by developers on the basis they were not “financially viable.”
The meeting concluded with a “mutual consensus” to pave the way for the solar project to make the land economically viable for renewable energy.
On 8 May 2023, the decision was formalised, and the Modi government issued a notification to all ministries announcing the relaxation of national security protocols at the India-Pakistan border and also in the land adjoining China, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Myanmar.
Some senior military officials also raised concerns regarding situations where the need to lay mines, anti-tank, and anti-personnel mechanisms may arise in combative situations. “What about the concept of space and surprise in offensive and defensive operations?” asked the official, as quoted by The Guardian.
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Same Land Previously Allotted To SECI
Ranging across 23,000 hectares (90 sq miles) of land, an area almost as large as Singapore, the land in question had been allotted to the public sector Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI).
At a meeting led by Renewable Energy Minister RK Singh in May, the SECI was encouraged to “surrender” the land, according to confidential communication accessed by The Guardian. On 17 July 2023, the SECI gave the land back to the Gujarat government, stating that it had not been made aware of beneficial changes to border protocols and maintaining it was not “commercially viable.”
Interestingly, two weeks before SECI had agreed to give up the area, the Adani Group expressed its desire to acquire the land in a letter written to Gujarat officials. What it means is that while the SECI claimed it was not made aware of changes to border protocols, Adani Group had been informed.
Led by BJP Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the state government relocated the land in August. While several state-run entities bid for it, an additional 255 sq km was handed over to the Adani Group on top of the 190 sq km the company had already leased.
The Khavda Plant
Gujarat’s Khavda plant occupies 445 sq km. Adani Group claims that the park will generate 30 GW of renewable energy. How much is 30 GW of renewable energy? Enough to power Switzerland, Chile, or Belgium.
“The land allocation for the project adheres to policy guidelines and is based on the credentials and performance of Adani Green Energy, India’s largest renewable energy company,” an Adani spokesperson said in a statement.
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“BJP’s Pseudo-Nationalism Face Is Once Again Unmasked!”: Opposition Reacts
Opposition leaders demanded answers from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on the matter.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge asked the Modi government, “Why would you allow a huge private project, within easy striking distance of the India-Pakistan border, thereby increasing the defence responsibilities of our armed forces and reducing their strategic advantages?” He accused the central government of endangering national security at the borders to benefit private billionaires.
Allowing India’s largest solar project to be constructed hardly 1 km away from the Pakistan border is extremely dangerous and goes against all established military norms.”
Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Mahua Moitra accused the Modi government of relaxing defence protocols to allow “best friend” Gautam Adani to build a renewable energy park.
Senior Congress MP KC Venugopal said, “The Modi government’s cronyism is a threat to our national security.
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Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi called the move “unprecedented” and questioned, “Such reckless prioritisation of a single private entity over national security is a perilous betrayal. Will the Government of India clarify their position?”
The US government accused Adani and seven others with multiple counts of fraud and lying to US-based investors about the scheme. Adani and the others involved in the case have been accused of paying bribes worth USD 265 million (approximately Rs 2,029 crore.)
The central government is yet to address the matter.
