No Brokers, No Delays: Karnataka Unveils Self-Driven Land Conversion for Green Energy Projects
Bengaluru, January 23: In a major reform aimed at boosting genuine investments and eliminating middlemen, Karnataka Minister for Revenue Krishna Byre Gowda on Friday launched a fully automated land conversion software for setting up renewable energy projects in the state.
Speaking at the launch event held at Vikasa Soudha, the minister said the initiative is designed to simplify policies, curb corruption, and facilitate direct investment by genuine developers, while putting an end to delays and the influence of intermediaries.
โEnergy security is one of the most critical global challenges today. No country can progress economically or technologically without assured access to energy,โ the minister said, underlining the strategic importance of renewable energy for Indiaโs future.
End to 6-Month Delays, Middlemen Curbed
Until now, land conversion was mandatory for renewable energy projects and typically took at least six months, creating room for middlemen and corruption.
โThe system benefited intermediaries, not investors or the government. While the state earned a bad name, it was unclear who actually profited,โ the minister remarked.
To address this, the government has now introduced a self-driven, automated land conversion mechanism, ensuring that land earmarked for renewable energy projects is converted seamlessly without bureaucratic hurdles.
โThis reform will attract greater investment into the renewable energy sector and serve as a model system for the entire country,โ Krishna Byre Gowda said.
Renewable Energy Key to Agriculture and Rural Economy
Highlighting the link between energy security and agriculture, the minister noted that while agriculture contributes only 13% to Indiaโs GDP, nearly 45% of the population depends on it for livelihood.
โFrom borewells to irrigation, electricity is essential. Affordable and accessible power can only be ensured through renewable energy,โ he said, reiterating Indiaโs international commitments to reduce dependence on fossil fuels like coal.
Karnatakaโs Role in National Energy Targets
India has set a target of generating 500 GW of power from renewable sources, but current production is just over 300 GW.
Karnataka alone contributes 12โ13% of the countryโs renewable energy output.
To bridge the remaining gap of nearly 200 GW, the country will require around 8 lakh acres of land. Karnataka aims to generate 40โ50 GW of additional renewable power, which may require nearly 1 lakh acres of land within the state.
โIt is with this long-term vision that the Revenue and Energy departments have jointly simplified land conversion procedures,โ the minister said, expressing confidence that Karnataka will emerge as Indiaโs most self-reliant state in power generation.
Karnataka Leads in Renewable Energy
Krishna Byre Gowda asserted that Karnataka ranks No.1 in renewable energy generation from usable land.
โStates like Gujarat and Rajasthan are often cited as leaders, but a significant portion of their landโ20โ25%โis unfit for agriculture. They install projects in desert regions. In contrast, every inch of Karnatakaโs 1.20 crore hectares of land is cultivable, yet we still contribute significantly to national renewable output,โ he said.
The event was attended by T.D. Rajegowda, Chairman, Renewable Energy Development Corporation, Gaurav Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary, Energy Department, Rajendra Kumar Kataria, Principal Secretary, Revenue Department, Meena Nagaraj, Commissioner, Revenue Department, Several investors and stakeholders from the renewable energy sector.
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