Land Conflict Watch

We’re grateful to see Land Conflict Watch’s data being cited prominently in the Parliamentary Standing Committee’s report on the implementation and effectiveness of the LARR Act, 2013. Take a look at the report 🔗drive.google.com/file/d/1Eh0-Uz…

We're thankful to ACJ's Climate Change Media Hub for inviting us to this dialogue. Check out our ‘Re Land Conflict Database’ A national repository mapping conflicts using 100+ indicators built to support stakeholders in designing solutions. 🔗land-conflict-watch.webflow.io/renewable-ener…

🌳Nearly 80 percent of the contested land in these conflicts is common property resource land, underlining how the expansion of renewable energy is placing increasing pressure on shared which nearly 350 million rural people’s livelihoods depends on.

Recently, our advisor and climate lead, @mrinali_7 was a speaker along with @aparna596 and @shreyaraman18 in the discussion, 'The Land Question in India’s Push for Large Renewable Projects”, hosted by the Climate Change Media Hub at @ACJIndia.

Check out our ‘Renewable Energy Land Conflict Database’ A national-level repository mapping conflicts using 100+ indicators built to support planners, policymakers, and civil society in designing solutions. 🔗land-conflict-watch.webflow.io/renewable-ener…

🌳Nearly 80 percent of the contested land in these conflicts is common property resource land, underlining how the expansion of renewable energy is placing increasing pressure on shared which nearly 350 million rural people’s livelihoods depends on.

We are thankful that this work could contribute to the Committee’s understanding of land acquisition and its impacts on communities, and we hope to continue contributing to efforts to bring evidence-based discussions around land governance.

The report, presented to the Lok Sabha in Dec '25, references our analysis, highlighting patterns around compliance with provisions of the LARR Act & the PESA Act, including the conduct of Gram Sabha consultations, consent procedures, & participation of affected communities.

We’re grateful to see Land Conflict Watch’s data being cited prominently in the Parliamentary Standing Committee’s report on the implementation and effectiveness of the LARR Act, 2013. Take a look at the report 🔗drive.google.com/file/d/1Eh0-Uz…

If you’ve worked on coastal commons, resource governance, & Blue Economy–related policies, then we have an opportunity for you 👇 Research Associate – Coastal Systems Full-time | New Delhi /Hybrid 12-month contract (renewable) Apply by 8 Feb 2026 🔗 nutgraph.in/careers/resear…

🔔 Don’t miss out! We’re looking for people interested in working on land and natural resources, with experience working with data and have good editing skills👇 Data Associate – Land & Natural Resources Full-time | Remote / New Delhi 08 Feb 2026 🔗 nutgraph.in/careers/data-a…

👀Last few days left! If you're a senior in law school or recent law graduate interested in Public Health, then @_NutGraph has an opportunity for you! Legal Intern – Public Health Systems Internship | Remote 1 month Deadline: 31 January 2026 🔗 nutgraph.in/careers/legal-…

Legal Intern – Public Health Systems Internship | Remote 1 month (with possibility of extension) Deadline: 31 January 2026 (applications reviewed on a rolling basis

Data Associate – Land & Natural Resources Full-time | Remote / New Delhi 6-month contract (renewable) For researchers or journalists with experience in socio-economic and environmental data on land, livelihoods, and natural-resource governance Deadline: 08 February 2026

📢 We’re Hiring | Multiple Roles Nutgraph – Social Data Lab is looking for researchers, data professionals, and interns to join our work on land, natural resources, coastal systems, and public health governance. To learn more and apply: nutgraph.in/careers

@frontline_india’s recent article by @mhassanism examines how consent for diverting 708 hectares of forest land for a proposed bauxite mine in Sijimali, Odisha, was reportedly obtained through questionable documentation—raising important questions about process, participation, and project sustainability. The story details allegations of fabricated Gram Sabha records and forged signatures used to secure clearances under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006—a law that places local communities at the centre of decision-making on forest land diversion. According to the reporting: 📒Official records show Gram Sabha meetings, while several villagers state that no such meetings were held or notified. ✍️ Signatures include names of minors, deceased persons, non-residents, and individuals who deny participation. 🕰️ Multiple Gram Sabhas were documented at the same date and time, with identical officials present. 👤 Villages report brief, unannounced visits by officials, staged photographs, and no substantive consultation. If accurate, these practices fall short of the FRA’s requirement of informed and genuine participation of forest-dwelling communities. What stands out is not only the immediate procedural concern, but the broader implication: when due process is weakened, projects often face resistance on the ground and prolonged scrutiny in courts. In Sijimali, communities have since held independent Gram Sabhas, passed resolutions rejecting the project, and approached the Odisha High Court—illustrating how unresolved process gaps can escalate into long-term conflict and uncertainty. For policymakers, regulators, investors, and project developers alike, this is a reminder that procedural shortcuts are rarely cost-saving. Respecting legal safeguards and engaging communities meaningfully is not just a rights issue—it is central to building projects that are socially legitimate, legally robust, and economically sustainable. Stronger accountability and participatory governance remain the most reliable foundations for avoiding conflict and securing durable outcomes. Read the article: frontline.thehindu.com/environment/si…