MHA bans new solar, wind projects within 1 km of India's borders

Key facts

• The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued guidelines prohibiting new solar, wind, and hybrid renewable energy projects within 1 km of the Line of Control, Line of Actual Control, and International Border.
• Areas within 50 km of these borders are designated as 'sensitive areas' requiring security clearance from the MHA.
• Projects in areas between 1 km and 20 km from the International Border require a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Defence.
• Engagement of engineers, staff, or labour from land border countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and China requires prior permission from the central government.
• Projects already granted security clearance or NOC before the guidelines are exempt from reapplication.
• The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) will forward project proposals to the MHA and Ministry of Defence for clearance.
• Infrastructure height is capped at 3 metres for areas 1-8 km, 5 metres for 8-20 km, and 15 metres for 20-50 km from the border.