Rajasthan Mandates Tree Plantation in Renewable Energy Projects

The Rajasthan government has made it mandatory for renewable energy developers to reserve 10 percent of the land allotted for their projects for tree plantation, as the state seeks to balance rapid clean energy expansion with environmental conservation.

The state Cabinet has approved amendments to the Rajasthan Land Revenue (Allotment of Land for Setting up Power Plants Based on Renewable Energy Sources) Rules, 2007. Under the revised provisions, developers of non conventional renewable energy projects will have to dedicate one tenth of their allotted project land to plantation activities.

The Cabinet has also revised land allotment norms for renewable energy projects. Solar and wind projects will now be allocated land at the rate of 2 hectares per MW, while hybrid renewable energy projects will receive 2.5 hectares per MW. The changes are expected to influence land planning and development requirements for new projects across the state.

The decision comes amid growing concerns and protests in western Rajasthan over the impact of large scale solar parks on local vegetation. Villagers and environmental activists have particularly raised concerns over the cutting of Khejri trees, which are the state tree and play an important role in the desert ecosystem.

Khejri is valued for its drought resistance and its contribution to sustaining desert agriculture. Its presence has become a key issue in disputes surrounding renewable energy development, with activists alleging that trees have been felled to facilitate large solar projects.

By requiring dedicated plantation areas within renewable energy project sites, the Rajasthan government aims to address environmental concerns while continuing to expand solar, wind and hybrid power capacity. The move is intended to ensure that the state's clean energy growth is accompanied by measures to protect biodiversity and strengthen green cover.

The policy comes as Rajasthan continues to strengthen its position as India's leading renewable energy market. The state recently crossed 50,000 MW of installed renewable energy capacity, including 44,135 MW of solar capacity, according to Ministry of New and Renewable Energy data.