MHA Bars New Renewable Energy Projects Within 1 Km of India’s Borders

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has prohibited new solar, wind and hybrid renewable energy projects within 1 kilometre of the Line of Control (LoC), Line of Actual Control (LAC) and International Border, citing national security concerns.

Under the new guidelines for national security clearance of renewable energy projects in border areas, locations within 50 kilometres of the LoC, LAC and International Border have been classified as sensitive areas.

The guidelines were issued after the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) received multiple applications for setting up renewable energy projects in border regions. Projects proposed within 1 kilometre of the border will face a strict prohibition, with no project activity permitted.

For projects proposed between 1 kilometre and 50 kilometres of the LoC, LAC or International Border, security clearance will be assessed by the MHA and the Ministry of Defence on a case by case basis. Projects located between 1 kilometre and 20 kilometres of the International Border will additionally require a no objection certificate from the Ministry of Defence.

The guidelines also restrict the engagement of workers from countries sharing a land border with India, including Pakistan, Bangladesh and China, for project implementation without prior permission from the central government.

The MHA said the uniform guidelines have been introduced to address national security concerns while supporting ease of doing business through a transparent clearance framework.

Under the process, applications for renewable energy projects in sensitive border areas must be submitted to the MNRE. The ministry will forward the proposals, along with the state government’s in principle approval for land allotment, to the MHA for security clearance and to the Ministry of Defence for the required NOC.

Projects involving foreign investment will also require a separate application to the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the government’s foreign direct investment policy.

The guidelines further prescribe limits on the height of civil infrastructure used for project maintenance and operations. The maximum height is capped at 3 metres for areas within 1 to 8 kilometres of the border, 5 metres for areas between 8 and 20 kilometres, and 15 metres for areas between 20 and 50 kilometres.