Centre restricts renewable energy projects near borders, mandates security clearance

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued new national security guidelines that prohibit solar, wind, and hybrid renewable energy projects within one kilometre of India's international borders. Projects proposed within 50 km of the border, the Line of Control (LoC), or the Line of Actual Control (LAC) will now require security clearance from the MHA.

The guidelines, which were framed after consultations with stakeholders, come in response to a surge in applications to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) for setting up renewable energy projects in border areas. The MHA said these proposals could have national security implications, and the new rules aim to provide a uniform and transparent approval process.

Under the guidelines, the area within the first kilometre from the border has been declared a restricted zone where no project activity will be permitted. Projects proposed between one and 20 km from the border will require a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Defence (MoD), while any proposal within the broader 50 km zone will need MHA security clearance.

The guidelines also impose restrictions on foreign participation and staffing. Applicants will not be allowed to engage engineers, staff, employees, or labour from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and China without prior permission from the MHA. Additionally, project developers cannot transfer land to foreign companies without approval from the Central government and security clearance from the MHA.

Project developers will not be able to apply directly to the MHA or the Defence Ministry. Instead, applications must be routed through the MNRE after obtaining in-principle land allotment approval from the State government. The MNRE will then forward the proposals to the MHA for security clearance and to the MoD for the NOC. The Home Ministry has said it will aim to decide on proposals within 60 days.

In a significant security-related provision, developers must install comprehensive security infrastructure, including anti-drone systems. These systems are expected to be operated by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) or State police, with the cost borne by the project developer.

Developers have been directed to ensure strict monitoring and verification of employees and construction workers. Foreign nationals entering project areas must be monitored, and project staff will be required to follow instructions issued by local police and border security agencies.

The guidelines also place restrictions on associated infrastructure. Hotels, housing facilities, and other establishments that could attract crowds are discouraged in sensitive areas. Accommodation facilities must be located at least five km from the border, while cafeterias should remain within plant premises.

For administrative buildings, control rooms, staff housing, and other support infrastructure, the MHA has imposed height limits based on proximity to the border. Structures between one and 8 km from the border cannot exceed three metres in height; those between 8 and 20 km are capped at five metres; and structures between 20 and 50 km can be up to 15 metres high. These restrictions do not apply to core project infrastructure such as wind turbines.

Project layouts should avoid long stretches of construction running parallel to the border. Project roads should be designed in a manner that allows their use by armed forces or border security personnel during emergencies.