Protest ends after land allotted away from Oran to Adani power project

Jaisalmer: The two-month-long protest by the villagers of Baiya in Jaisalmer, to protect their Oran (grove) ended after the district administration allocated 812 bigha near Ainath Ji's temple for the pasture land. In return, alternative land was provided for Adani Power's 600 MW solar power project. The villagers concluded their Oran march on Sunday, after which Adani Power began construction of the substation under heavy police presence.For two months, the villagers had opposed the construction of Adani Power's grid substation for their 600 MW solar project in Baiya. They demanded that the Oran land be officially recognised in govt records. Their 62-day protest culminated in the company's agreement to release the specified land, ending the demonstration. During this period, authorities had filed charges against Shiv MLA Ravindra Singh.A meeting led by Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma in Jaipur on Nov 23, 2024, addressed the disputed land allocation. The discussions focused on relocating the proposed project site away from the Oran, Maa Rohidala Rai temple area, and residential land. Following the CM's directive, the district collector modified the land allocation on Jan 3, 2025, considering the concerns of the villagers.Vice-president of Adani Green Energy Alok Chaturvedi, said, the govt had allocated 3,304 acres for the 600 MW solar plant, which included 229 acres of private land. The substation requires 9.62 acre.On Sep 28, 2024, MLA Chotu Singh Bhati requested the district collector to reassess the preservation of the Oran in Baiya and Mogra villages. Bhati worked closely with protesters and govt officials to resolve the matter.The administration pledged to document the Oran land in the revenue records and provided alternative land, enabling the company to proceed with its project.