Noting that forest land is being acquired by the wind power industry on a larger scale, an environment report has warned that this could have an adverse impact on the local ecology.

Construction of roads in forest areas can cause “liner fragmentation” resulting in soil erosion and also hindering the migration of animals, the report prepared by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), has pointed out.

Underlining the necessity of a mandatory environmental impact assessment (EAI), the study states that the demand for forest land for wind power projects has increased considerably during the last seven years with Maharashtra accounting for 31 per cent of the allotted land.

Study findings

According to the study, wind projects set up on forest land and hilly areas can have a greater impact on water resources and ecology compared to those in plains.

Those projects situated near human settlement can have a disturbing effect on the population with the noise and shadow flicker from the commercial wind turbines with a height of 100-150 metres.

Among animals, bats can be affected because of the changing air pressure around wind turbines, it said.

Documenting the environmental impact of wind projects in various parts of the country, it has also recommended sharing of benefits with the local population, including the first right to the power generated by wind energy projects.

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