NEWS: Karnataka has rolled out a new system exempting renewable energy projects from obtaining prior permission to start operations on agricultural land

HIGHLIGHTS

• At present, any use of agricultural land for non-agricultural purposes needs a conversion order by the deputy commissioner
• Renewable energy projects — solar, wind, hybrid, energy storage, biomass and waste-to-energy — need not apply for conversion of agricultural land to allow non-agricultural use.
• The auto-conversion feature for renewable energy projects is considered “a leap of faith”
• Karnataka will get more investments with this land reform
• Aids to keep up the pledge, to establish 500 gigawatt (GW) by 2030