Energy Projects on Indo-Pak Border Spark Security Concerns:

Wednesday saw another bout of uproars from the opposition’s side, most prominently from Congress and DMK, who protested within the Lok Sabha regarding their discontent with the approved sustainable energy project located along the India-Pakistan border.

A supplementary question was raised by Manish Tiwari, a member of the Congress Party, where he emphasized the need for energy security and national security to sustainably coexist together.

He further argued that this hybrid renewable energy venture will extend a kilometer close to the border, and he pointed out that there is a security protocol which dictates that very significant infrastructure endeavors should always be at a minimum distance of 10 kilometers from the International Border.

He further inquired if there were any easements provided to the intended project.

The government defends itself in stating that any proposal is vetted for approval alongside center, state, and other necessary governance bodies for clearance, thus all licenses and accords are confirmed post approval.

Pralhad Joshi, serving as the Minister for New and Renewable Energy explained how the government showed interest in domestic production of renewable energy resources.

“Before issuing a license and granting approval, clearances are obtained from the central and state governments and all other requisite bodies,” he said.

The Congress party members felt his answer was not adequate and therefore chanted dismissive comments regarding national security while they took over the Well of the House.

They along with members of the DMK conducted a walkout.

The energy park allegations are not where the controversy ends though. With the relaxing of border security regulations for a particular business group, the Congress recently condemned the Centre for apparently jeopardizing national security to profit private billionaires.