Socio- Economic Assessment

SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

As well as providing commercial benefits, any project must function within the framework of sustainable development to minimize its effect on the environment and the community. To this effect, an appraisal of ABC solar power was performed respect to socio-economic and environmental considerations.

Social Impact

• Human Health and Safety

The Operations of the solar power plant can affect the health and safety of the workers. It is the responsibility of the plant to implement the existing laws related to workers’ safety. Some of the applicable laws that the proponent adheres to are the Electricity Act 2003, relevant para- electricity Laws; Central Electricity Authority (CEA) - safety requirements and Buildings and Constructions Workers Act, 1996; Workers Compensation Act, Employers Liability Act and Contract Labor Rule.

• Community

The solar farm operations and functioning has given a boost to the local economy as jobs have been created and infrastructure has been developed around the community. The farm has taken care of the laws relating to Resettlement and Rehabilitation exist to safeguard local interests and has acquired the required permits from local governments like Panchayats.

• Land

Solar power is a land intensive project requiring 5-7 acres of land per MW which may give rise to conflicts with the community. However, the proponent has acquired the land at market prices without impacting the forest land.

Environmental Impact

• During Construction

The farm observes the local as well as the government policies to minimize the environmental effect of the project. The activities generating dust are carried out after water sprinkling, proper hygiene and cleanliness level is maintained, noise prone activities are restricted during night and no deforestation is involved. It has also been agreed that the surplus earth will be reinstated and rubbish be cleared once construction is concluded.

• During Operation

There is minimal impact on soil and air quality. The only resource used extensively is water for which the farm has guidelines to ensure water recycling and reuse in accordance with the Water Prevention & Control Act, 1972, Municipal Waste Management Rules, 2000 and other related laws. Also water harvesting is practiced at solar farm site and proper waste disposable procedures.