[Answered] Evaluate the social and environmental impacts of large-scale solar parks in India. Discuss with reference to specific examples from Bhadla in Rajasthan and Pavagada in Karnataka.

Large-scale solar parks in India are a powerful tool in the fight against climate change, offering clean energy and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. However, their social and environmental impacts require careful consideration.

Social Impacts

• Employment Creation: Both during the building and operation phases, large-scale solar installations generate job possibilities. Employment benefits local communities, even though many professions demand specialized skills that may not be easily obtained locally.
• Economic Development: By driving up local expenditure on products and services, the investment in these areas can boost their local economies.
• Land Acquisition: When land is acquired for solar parks, it may give rise to issues with neighboring communities, particularly if those populations depend on the property for their livelihoods or if there are title disputes.
• Community Development: CSR initiatives related to solar installations frequently support local infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and other welfare programs.

Environmental Impact

• Decreased Carbon Emissions: Because solar energy is clean and renewable, it helps to mitigate the effects of climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• Land Use: The extensive land area needed for large-scale solar parks may result in habitat fragmentation, biodiversity loss, and the displacement of native plants and animals.
• Water Consumption: In desert places like Rajasthan, some solar technologies, such as concentrated solar power (CSP), can put a burden on local water supplies because they need water for cooling.
• Degradation of Soil: Poor land management during development and maintenance can cause soil erosion and degradation, which can have an impact on the health and productivity of agriculture.

Specific Examples

• Bhadla Solar Park: Located in Rajasthan’s Thar Desert, Bhadla is one of India’s largest solar parks. While it has created jobs, concerns remain about the impact on grazing land for pastoral communities and long-term water usage.
• Pavagada Solar Park: Situated in Karnataka, Pavagada is another large-scale solar park. Land acquisition from local communities and water use in a drought-prone region are significant challenges here.

Conclusion

By adopting sustainable practices, India can harness the power of solar energy while ensuring a just and environmentally conscious transition.