Last week, the Bihar Congress organized a protest march from its Patna office at Sadakat Ashram to Dr. Rajendra Prasad’s memorial at Bans Ghat, in opposition to the Bihar government's decision to lease 1,050 acres of land in Bhagalpur to the Adani Group at a token rate of \u20b91 per year for setting up a thermal power plant.<\/p>\n
Land Deal: Congress argues that leasing 1,050 acres of fertile agricultural land to Adani for such a nominal rate is a “gift” to the corporation.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
Environmental Concerns: Allegations include the cutting of 10 lakh trees for the project, which Congress claims would have significant environmental repercussions.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
Farmland Conversion: The Congress has also raised concerns over the reclassification of fertile agricultural land as barren land to facilitate the project.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
What is the Pirpainti Thermal Power Plant?<\/p>\n
The Pirpainti Thermal Power Plant is a 2,400-MW coal-fired project being developed by Adani Power Limited in Bhagalpur. The project represents the largest private-sector investment in Bihar, valued at $3 billion, and will create up to 12,000 jobs during construction and about 3,000 permanent jobs once operational.<\/p>\n
Congress’s Allegations:<\/p>\n
Token Land Transfer: The 1,050 acres have been leased to Adani for just \u20b91 per year for 33 years, which Congress claims is highly preferential.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
Environmental Damage: Congress alleges that the plant will lead to the cutting of 10 lakh trees and the destruction of the ecosystem.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
Farmland Misuse: Congress asserts that fertile land is being wrongly declared barren to facilitate the project’s land acquisition.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
Expensive Power: The Congress points out that electricity generated from this thermal plant will cost \u20b96.075 per unit, which is much higher than the rates in other states.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Government’s Defense:<\/p>\n
Transparent Process: Bihar Industries Minister Nitish Mishra rejected the allegations, stating that the project followed a transparent bidding process and was crucial for the state's development.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
Land Deal: The state government clarified that the land was leased at \u20b91 per year to Bihar State Power Generation Company (BSPGCL) in 2022, before the bidding process. The token rate was intended to reduce power generation costs, while the ownership of the land remains with the Bihar government.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
Policy Precedent: The policy offering land at \u20b91 to large investors is not unique to Adani. It’s part of Bihar’s broader investment policy to attract industrial development and create jobs.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Environmental Concerns:<\/p>\n
The government clarified that although 10,055 trees were counted, only those within the power plant and coal handling areas (300 acres) will be cut. Additionally, the state will implement a compensatory afforestation plan to develop a green belt on 100 acres.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
How Adani Won the Project:<\/p>\n
What About the Re 1 Land Transfer?<\/p>\n
Is This a Common Practice?<\/p>\n
Power Pricing Concerns:<\/p>\n
Similar Controversies in Other States:<\/p>\n
Political Context:<\/p>\n
Land Acquisition Process:<\/p>\n
The controversy surrounding the Pirpainti thermal power plant project highlights the tension between developmental initiatives and environmental, economic, and political considerations. As the project progresses, it is likely to continue fueling debates over the sustainability of large-scale industrial projects in sensitive areas and the role of government policies in balancing development and public welfare.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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