RAIGARH (India CSR). Adani Power Plant in Bhedabahar, near Raigarh in Chhattisgarhh, has come under serious allegations of encroaching on government land and a village pond. The issue was raised during the public grievance hearing (Jan Darshan), where an applicant complained that several parcels of government land and pond areas have been included inside the plant’s boundary wall.
Complaint and Demarcation Dispute
The complaint was filed by Govind Kumar Yadav, who stated that he had earlier raised the matter but no action was taken. He alleged that during the official land demarcation, he was stopped by the company’s staff from visiting the site. Yadav further accused the plant management of deliberately preventing him from verifying the land boundaries.
Government Land Inside the Plant Boundary
According to the complaint, survey number 54/4, covering 0.045 hectares of pond land, along with several other plots (survey numbers 2/1, 459, 463, 465, 467, 472, 522, 524, 536/6, 557, 563), fall inside the plant’s boundary wall. In total, around 0.368, 0.263, 0.146, 0.182, 0.081, 0.202, 0.105, 0.174, and 0.182 hectares of government land are alleged to be encroached upon.
Rules for Industrial Land Acquisition
As per regulations, industries can acquire land only through proper acquisition processes. While private land may be acquired through mutual agreements, government land can only be transferred through a lease process. The allegation here is that without any lease or legal transfer, government land has been enclosed within the plant premises.
Stopping the Complainant During Demarcation
The complainant alleged that he was deliberately stopped from entering the site during the demarcation process. He claimed plant staff, along with police support, prevented him from checking the land records on the ground. This raises questions about why government land protection was ignored and why the company was allowed to benefit.
Call for Investigation and Action
The applicant has demanded a fair investigation and strict action against those responsible. He alleged that the matter is being suppressed under the influence of Adani Power Plant and that land is being falsely shown as purchased.
(India CSR)
