Adani Wins 1,020 Acres in Bihar for ₹1 Amid Villagers’ Forced Land Sale Allegations

Adani Wins 1,020 Acres of Land in Bihar for Re 1 Amid Allegations of Forced Land Sales

Date: September 17, 2025

Adani Power has secured 1,020 acres of land in Bihar at a token price of ₹1, to set up a massive 2,400-megawatt power plant. While the deal is being hailed by some as a step toward industrial development and energy expansion, a ground report reveals serious concerns: villagers claim they were pressured into selling their land, raising fresh questions about land acquisition practices in India.

The Project

• Location: [Specific district if available—replace with details when confirmed] Bihar

• Capacity: 2,400 MW thermal power plant

• Investment Goal: Boost regional power supply, create jobs, and strengthen Bihar’s energy infrastructure.

The project is expected to bring significant industrial growth and employment opportunities to the region, according to Adani Power officials.

Allegations from Villagers

Local reports suggest a troubling side to the deal:

• Pressure to Sell: Multiple villagers allege they were coerced into giving up their ancestral land.

• Inadequate Compensation: Many claim the compensation offered was far below market value.

• Lack of Transparency: Residents report minimal consultation and a lack of clear communication regarding the government’s acquisition process.

These allegations have triggered political and civil society backlash, with activists calling for an independent investigation into the land acquisition.

Government & Adani’s Response

• State Officials: The Bihar government maintains that the acquisition followed legal procedures under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition Act, 2013.

• Adani Group: The company has yet to issue a detailed statement but has previously emphasized its commitment to sustainable development and fair practices.

What This Means for Bihar

If the plant moves forward as planned, it could:

• Improve Energy Supply: A 2,400 MW plant would significantly reduce Bihar’s power deficit.

• Generate Jobs: Both during construction and operation phases, potentially thousands of employment opportunities.

However, the allegations of forced land sales risk sparking protests, legal challenges, and delays, threatening the project’s timeline and reputation.

Bottom Line

The Adani Power project in Bihar underscores a familiar tension in India’s development story: economic growth versus land rights. While the plant promises jobs and electricity, the villagers’ accounts of pressure and inadequate compensation highlight the urgent need for transparent, fair, and ethical land acquisition processes.