Explained: What is the Controversy Over the Mahi Nuclear Power Project in Rajasthan's Banswara?

Banswara, Rajasthan- In Banswara, a significant controversy has erupted over the proposed Mahi Nuclear Power Project, as tribal communities, led by the Bhil Pradesh Mukti Morcha, have launched fervent protests against the project.

These protests are primarily driven by concerns over the legality of the land acquisition process being employed for the project.

Also, the community in Chhoti Sarvan area fears that the BJP government's initiation of the nuclear power project will be harmful to the tribal communities and wildlife residing within a 40-kilometer radius. People perceive that the increase in pollution may cause damage to agriculture, health of people and loss of agricultural land.

The protesters have submitted a detailed memorandum to the District Collector, arguing that the acquisition process is fraught with legal and procedural violations.

According to the letter, the Land Acquisition Act, 2013 stipulates that the acquisition process must be completed within five years of the initial notification. However, the application asserts that this deadline has not been met, rendering the original notification invalid and the project unconstitutional.

Additionally, the protesters contend that the acquisition process was carried out without the necessary approval from the local tribal village councils, as required under Sections 41 and 42 of the Act. This failure to obtain proper authorization from these councils, who are vital stakeholders in the tribal areas, is cited as a significant breach of the law.

The tribal communities are demanding an immediate halt to the ongoing land acquisition activities and the removal of police forces deployed in the area. They argue that the police presence and the acquisition process itself are both unconstitutional, as the required legal procedures were not followed. The application calls for the annulment of the current notification and insists that any new notifications must comply fully with legal requirements.

The protesters have also warned of further legal action if their demands are not met. They plan to challenge the project in the Supreme Court, asserting that the government's actions violate several constitutional provisions, including the Right to Life under Article 21 and the jurisdiction of the High Court under Article 226. Their legal strategy involves questioning the constitutional validity of the project and the associated administrative actions.

The Mahi Nuclear Power Project, proposed for the tribal areas of Banswara, has been a contentious issue due to its potential impact on the land and livelihoods of the indigenous communities. The protests underscore a broader struggle for land rights and environmental justice, highlighting the tensions between development projects and the rights of tribal populations.

About the project:

India aims to add 18 nuclear power reactors with a capacity of 13,800 MWe by 2031-32. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February dedicated two 700 MW reactors at Kakrapar Atomic Power Station in Gujarat, showcasing Atmanirbhar Bharat. Additional power plants are being built at Kudankulam, Chutka, and Mahi Banswara.

Four nuclear power plants of 1,000 MWe each are being built at Kudankulam in Tamil Nadu with Russian assistance.

Four 700 MWe home-built PHWRs are coming up at Rawatbhata (RAPS 7 & 8) in Rajasthan and Gorakhpur (GHAVP 1 & 2) in Haryana.

Ten 700 MWe PHWRs have been sanctioned to be built at GHAVP 3 & 4 at Gorakhpur in Haryana, Kaiga Generating Station 5 & 6 near Karwar in Karnataka, Chutka in Madhya Pradesh (CMPAPP 1 & 2) and four power units at Mahi Banswara in Rajasthan.