Mon Nov 17 01:06:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the article, followed by a rewrite as a news article:

Summary

Residents of Jharkhand and West Bengal are protesting planned solar energy projects on and around the Panchet Dam reservoir, fearing loss of livelihoods and disruption of traditional lifestyles. The projects, part of India’s push for renewable energy, threaten the fishing and grazing activities of local communities who depend on the reservoir and surrounding lands. They also express concerns about displacement similar to what occurred when the dam was originally built in the 1950s, with some claiming inadequate compensation and lost land documents. While recognizing the need for renewable energy, protestors and local politicians advocate for consultations with affected communities and fair solutions to mitigate the projects’ impact on their lives. The Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) and Green Valley Renewable Energy Limited (GVREL), the entities behind the projects, have not yet responded to requests for comment.

News Article

Renewable Energy Push Sparks Protest in Jharkhand and West Bengal

PANCHET DAM, India – November 17, 2025 – Plans to develop large-scale solar energy projects on and around the Panchet Dam reservoir are facing strong opposition from residents of Jharkhand and West Bengal, who fear for their livelihoods and cultural heritage. Hundreds of villagers recently staged a protest march, highlighting the potential displacement of fishing communities and herders who rely on the reservoir for their sustenance.

The projects, spearheaded by the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) and Green Valley Renewable Energy Limited (GVREL), include a floating solar panel installation on the reservoir itself and ground-mounted solar arrays on adjacent lands. They are part of India’s ambitious goals to generate 500 GW of power from non-fossil sources by 2030 and meet 50% of its energy needs through renewable sources.

However, locals argue that the projects threaten their traditional way of life. “Where will our husbands go fishing if the dam [reservoir] is out of bounds for us? We will simply not survive,” said Rita Roy, a resident of Kaliasole block in Jharkhand’s Dhanbad district. Fisherfolk like Zahir Ansari, who has fished the reservoir since he was 11, worry about the loss of their primary income source. Farmers also fear that the grazing lands for their cattle will disappear.

Adding to the concerns is the legacy of the dam’s construction in the 1950s. Some residents claim that promises of adequate compensation for displaced families were not fulfilled, and that many lost essential land documents. They fear history is repeating itself.

“Local villagers cannot be harmed over it,” asserted Arup Chakraborty, a Member of Parliament from West Bengal, echoing the call for thorough impact assessments and community consultations. Arup Chatterjee, an MLA from Jharkhand, emphasized that the floating solar PV systems cannot be installed without the consent of all fisherfolk affected.

Experts warn that lack of consultation with affected communities before land is granted to renewable energy projects often leads to legal proceedings and protests. “The way forward is to consult the local communities and address their issues at the planning stage itself,” said Kumar Sambhav Shrivastava, founder of Land Conflict Watch.

As of press time, DVC and GVREL have not responded to requests for comment. The conflict highlights the challenges of balancing renewable energy goals with the needs and rights of local populations in India’s rapidly developing energy sector.

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