Koppal sets up panel to address renewable energy project complaints

Koppal: The district administration has constituted a multi-departmental committee to address complaints from farmers and landowners affected by renewable energy projects across the district.Deputy Commissioner Suresh B Itnal issued the order after receiving complaints from several villages regarding agricultural land, standing crops, compensation and implementation of solar, wind power and transmission projects.The committee, headed by the additional deputy commissioner, includes officials from KPTCL, Gescom, agriculture and horticulture departments, police, tahsildars and representatives of Power Grid agencies.

It has been tasked with examining grievances, ensuring speedy resolution and protecting the interests of affected farmers and landowners.Koppal is emerging as a major renewable energy hub, with govt and private agencies implementing projects with a combined capacity of nearly 7,000 MW across various taluks.The administration said such projects are vital for clean energy generation and public interest, but concerns of farmers must be addressed promptly.

DC Itnal said companies generally enter into private agreements with landowners, with compensation fixed through mutual negotiations. However, complaints have been received that some firms paid only part of the agreed compensation before starting work and failed to clear the balance even after project completion.The committee has been directed to examine such complaints and take action as per law. It will also create awareness about renewable energy projects while ensuring grievances related to land, compensation and project execution are resolved quickly.