The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has introduced new security guidelines for solar, wind and hybrid renewable energy projects proposed near India’s international borders, the Line of Control (LoC) and the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Under the new rules, no new solar, wind or hybrid renewable energy project will be permitted within 1 kilometre of a border. The guidelines have been introduced amid growing applications for renewable energy projects in border regions and concerns over their potential national security implications.
50-Km Border Zone Classified as Sensitive
The MHA has designated areas within 50 km of the LoC, LAC and International Border as sensitive for renewable energy project approvals.
The guidelines establish different security requirements depending on how close a proposed project is to the border:
- 0–1 km: No solar, wind or hybrid project activity permitted
- 1–50 km: MHA security clearance required
- 1–20 km: Ministry of Defence (MoD) NOC also required
- 20–50 km: Security clearance assessed on a case-by-case basis
The government said the framework is intended to balance national security requirements with the ease of doing business in the renewable energy sector.
Restrictions on Foreign Workers and Companies
The guidelines also introduce additional restrictions concerning foreign involvement in projects located in sensitive border areas.
Engineers, employees, staff and labourers from countries sharing a land border with India—particularly Pakistan, Bangladesh and China—cannot be engaged for project implementation without prior permission from the Central Government.
Applicants also cannot transfer project land to a foreign company without prior approval, including security clearance from the MHA.
Projects involving foreign investment will additionally require a separate application to the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under India’s FDI policy.
MNRE to Handle Project Applications
All applications for renewable energy projects in these sensitive areas will have to be submitted through the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
MNRE will forward proposals to the MHA for security clearance and to the Ministry of Defence for an NOC where applicable.
The proposal must include the State government’s in-principle approval for land allocation as well as the project’s precise latitude and longitude.
The ministry has also directed that land allocation should be planned in a way that prevents project construction from extending over long distances parallel to an international border.
Additional Security Measures Required
Renewable energy developers operating in sensitive areas will have to establish comprehensive security arrangements.
These may include:
- Anti-drone systems
- Dedicated police posts
- Pre-verification of project employees
- Monitoring of foreign nationals entering the area
- Coordination with local police and the Border Security Force (BSF)
- Roads wide enough to be used by security forces during emergencies
The cost of security equipment such as anti-drone systems will have to be borne by the project developer.
Project employees will also be required to follow instructions issued by local police and the BSF during construction and implementation.
Restrictions on Accommodation Near Borders
The MHA has also imposed restrictions on accommodation and facilities that could create security concerns or attract large crowds.
No housing facilities, cafeterias or similar establishments that could lead to large gatherings and weaker security will be permitted in the restricted border zone.
Hotels and accommodation facilities must be located at least 5 km from the border, while cafeterias may be established within the plant premises subject to the applicable security requirements.
Height Restrictions for Infrastructure
The guidelines also prescribe maximum heights for civil infrastructure used for maintenance and operations in sensitive areas.
The limits are:
- 1–8 km from border: Maximum 3 metres
- 8–20 km: Maximum 5 metres
- 20–50 km: Maximum 15 metres
These restrictions are aimed at preventing infrastructure in border areas from creating additional security and surveillance challenges.
Existing Projects With Clearance Exempted
Projects that had already received MHA security clearance before the new guidelines were issued will not need to reapply.
Similarly, projects that already have an NOC from the Ministry of Defence will not be required to seek a fresh NOC under the new framework.
The MHA said the guidelines were developed in consultation with relevant stakeholders to establish a uniform and transparent approval process for renewable energy projects near India’s borders.
The move comes as India rapidly expands solar and wind capacity, while increasingly large renewable energy projects are being proposed across regions that can also have strategic and national security significance.
Author
About the Author
