India Bans Border Renewable Energy Projects Over Security

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has implemented new guidelines, prohibiting the establishment of solar, wind, and hybrid renewable energy projects within 1 km of India’s Line of Control (LoC), Line of Actual Control (LAC), and International Border. This decisive action addresses national security concerns regarding project development in these sensitive regions.

This directive follows numerous applications received by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) for such projects in border areas. The MHA’s new framework aims to streamline security protocols for all future renewable energy development near critical national boundaries.

Understanding the New Border Restrictions

Beyond the immediate exclusion zone, the guidelines classify areas up to 50 km from the LoC, LAC, or International Border as “sensitive.” Within this wider belt, specific security measures and clearances are now mandatory for project developers.

• Projects within 20 km of the International Border require a separate No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Defence.
• Employment of labor from countries sharing a land border with India, including Pakistan, Bangladesh, and China, is strictly prohibited without explicit central government permission.
• Applications for projects proposed between 1 km and 50 km will undergo individual security clearance and NOC evaluations by the MHA and the defence ministry.

All applications for renewable energy projects in these designated border areas must first go to the MNRE. This ministry then forwards them to the MHA for security clearance and to the defence ministry for an NOC, alongside the state government’s land allotment approval.

Should foreign investment be involved in a project, a separate application must also be submitted to the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade. This additional step aligns with the government’s existing foreign direct investment policy.

Infrastructure Height Limitations

• Civil infrastructure related to maintenance and operation is limited to 3 meters in height for areas within 1-8 km of the border.
• For regions situated 8-20 km from the border, the maximum height permitted is 5 meters.
• Projects located 20-50 km from the border have a height restriction of 15 meters for their civil infrastructure.

These comprehensive guidelines underscore the government’s commitment to prioritizing national security. They establish a clear regulatory framework for renewable energy development in India’s strategically vital border regions, balancing energy goals with defence imperatives.