### Quick Summary
– *Location and Context*: Karedu village in SPSR Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh, known for fertile land and agricultural productivity, faces potential disruption due to a proposed solar photovoltaic (SPV) module manufacturing plant by Indosol Solar Private Ltd.(ISPL).
– *Agricultural Dependency*: Villagers rely on fertile soil for cultivating paddy, groundnut, cotton, vegetables like mangoes and sapota; some work as labourers or in shrimp farming.
– *Project Details*:
– the ₹69,000-crore SPV plant is expected to create 13,050 direct jobs.
– Land acquisition involves less than 5,000 acres from karedu’s total of around 12,000 acres.
– *Government Assistance*: Compensation offered includes ₹6.5 lakh per evicted family and land reimbursement at rates up to ₹17.5 lakh per acre for orchards. Rehabilitation measures include new housing colonies and skill development programs.
– *Opposition to Project*:
– Majority of residents objected during recent consultations; only about 10% agreed to the plan.
– Local farmers fear loss of livelihood; fisherfolk claim private company salaries may not match income from fishing.
– Activists have raised concerns about bypassing Social Impact Assessment requirements for the project.
– *Company Viewpoint*:
– ISPL plans a vertically integrated solar manufacturing chain requiring vast land tracts but claims green-cover initiatives would occupy a portion of the area.### Indian Opinion Analysis
The proposed integration of advanced solar technology with India’s clean energy aspirations highlights meaningful economic potential but raises equally vital social concerns. Karedu’s agricultural base sustains both its economy and cultural identity-the displacement risk could impact thousands dependent on farming and fishing. While compensation packages appear complete on paper (land rates plus rehabilitation assistance), skepticism among locals stems from prior dealings with job creation promises that allegedly failed elsewhere.
The government’s exemption from conducting a Social Impact Assessment creates notable transparency issues in addressing such massive land acquisition moves that affect livelihoods closely tied to natural resources. Although ISPL emphasizes environmental commitments within infrastructure development (green coverage), questions remain around implementing large-scale polysilicon-based manufacturing-a process reportedly high-polluting-without compromising ecological balance near coastal regions.
For India’s broader industrial strategy balancing renewable energy goals with grassroots community welfare remains crucial amid demands for scalable projects without deep local friction Read More.