SLA Report
SLA Report
Prepared By
May 2023
Abbreviations and Acronyms
AH Affected Household
AP Affected Person
BBS Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics
BPDB Bangladesh Power Development Board
DC Deputy Commissioner
EA Executing Agency
EMA External Monitoring Agency
EP Entitled Person
FGD Focus Group Discussion
GDP Gross Domestic Product
GOB Government of Bangladesh
GRC Grievance Redress Committee
IA Implementing Agency
ID Card Identity Card
IDCOL Infrastructure Development Company Limited
IOL Inventory of losses
ISPL Intraco Solar Power Limited
LA Land Acquisition
LMS Land Market Survey
LIRP Livelihood and Income Restoration Program
SLA Social and Land Assessment
MIS Management Information System
MOL Ministry of Land
MoPEMR Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources
NGO Non-government Organization
PIU Project Implementation Unit
PD Project Director
PMO Project Management Office
PRA Participatory Rapid Appraisal
PAVC Property Assessment and Valuation Committee
PV Photovoltaic
ROW Right-of-Way
RV Replacement Value
TOR Terms of Reference
SA Social Assessment
SES Socio Economic Survey
VH Vulnerable Household
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GLOSSARY
Affected Person (AP): includes any person, affected households (AHs), firms or private institutions
who, on account of changes that result from the project will have their (i) standard of living
adversely affected; (ii) right, title, or interest in any house, land (including residential, commercial,
agricultural, forest, and/or grazing land), water resources, or any other moveable or fixed assets
acquired, possessed, restricted, or otherwise adversely affected, in full or in part, permanently or
temporarily; and/or (iii) business, occupation, place of work or residence, or habitat adversely
affected, with or without displacement.
Assistance: means support, rehabilitation and restoration measures extended in cash and/or kind
over and above the compensation for lost assets.
Compensation: means payment in cash or kind for an asset to be acquired or affected by a project
at replacement cost at current market value.
Displacement: Refers to physical displacement in terms of physical dislocation
Encroachers: mean those people who move into the project area after the cut-off date and are
therefore not eligible for compensation or other rehabilitation measures provided by the project.
The term also refers to those extending attached private land into public land.
Entitlement: means the range of measures comprising cash or kind compensation, relocation
cost, income restoration assistance, transfer assistance, income substitution, and business
restoration which are due to AHs, depending on the type and degree /nature of their losses, to
restore their social and economic base.
Stakeholder: stakeholders refer to individuals or groups who have an interest in or may be
affected by a proposal, such as local communities, the project proponent, government agencies,
NGOs, donors, and other relevant parties. These stakeholders play a crucial role in the success of
the project as they have different perspectives, knowledge, and experiences that can impact the
project's outcomes. By engaging with stakeholders, project managers can better understand their
concerns and needs, and address them effectively. This approach can also help build trust,
promote transparency, and foster a sense of ownership among stakeholders. Therefore, it is
essential to identify and engage stakeholders throughout the project cycle to ensure that their
interests are considered and their voices are heard.
Public Consultation: Public Consultation refers to a set of techniques that can be used to engage,
inform, consult or interact with stakeholders who are affected or likely to be affected by a
proposal. This process is aimed at ensuring that the views, needs, and interests of stakeholders
are taken into account when developing and implementing projects or policies. Public
consultation can take various forms, such as public meetings, focus group discussions, surveys,
and online platforms, among others. The main objective of public consultation is to create an
open and inclusive dialogue between project proponents and stakeholders, where stakeholders
can provide feedback and suggestions, ask questions, and express their concerns. Public
consultation is a crucial step in the decision-making process, as it enables stakeholders to
participate in shaping the project or policy and helps to build trust and understanding between
the parties involved. Effective public consultation can also improve the quality and effectiveness
of the proposal, as it provides valuable insights and perspectives that might not have been
considered otherwise.
Household: A household includes all persons living and eating together (sharing the same kitchen
and cooking food together as a single-family unit).
Inventory of losses: means the pre-appraisal inventory of assets as a preliminary record of
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affected or lost assets.
Non-titled: means those who have no recognizable rights or claims to the land that they are
occupying and includes people using private or public land without permission, permit or grant
i.e. those people without legal title to land and/or structures occupied or used by them.
Project Affected Unit: Combines residential households (HHs), commercial and business
enterprises (CBEs), community property resources (CPRs) and other affected entities as a whole.
Relocation: means displacement or physical moving of the PAPs from the affected area to a new
area/site and rebuilding homes, infrastructure, provision of assets, including productive
land/employment and re-establishing income, livelihoods, living and social systems.
Replacement cost: means the value of assets to replace the loss at current market price, or its
nearest equivalent, and is the amount of cash or kind needed to replace an asset in its existing
condition, without deduction of transaction costs or for any material salvaged.
Structures: mean all buildings including primary and secondary structures including houses and
ancillary buildings, commercial enterprises, living quarters, community facilities and
infrastructures, shops, businesses, fences, and walls.
Squatters- refers to non-titled and includes households, business and common establishments on
public land (including those acquired earlier). Under the project this includes land on part of the
crest and slopes of flood control embankments, and similar areas of the drainage channels.
Vulnerable Households: Male headed HHs whose income level is below BDT 120,000/ year and
female headed HHs are considered as vulnerable.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
A. Introduction
This Social Due Diligence report has been prepared for the 30 MW Grid-tied Solar Power Plan
Project, referred to as the "Project," undertaken by Intraco Solar Power Limited (ISPL). The report
follows the guidelines set forth by IDCOL's Environmental and Social Safeguards Framework
(ESSF)/ Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS), Asian Infrastructure Investment
Bank's (AIIB) ESF (specifically ESS2), World Bank's ESF/WB Operational policies (OP4.12) and
relevant Government Policies. However, according to WB policy, if the “willing buyer willing
seller” procedure fails, land acquisition will not be allowed. As the land taking is completed in this
project, “Willing buyer Willing seller” policy of World Bank will not be applicable in this project.
The same applicable for the AIIB policy.
It is important to note that the construction of the solar plant has already been completed, and
the plant is operational. For the construction, the project acquired 39.99 acres of land through a
willing buyer-willing seller basis, while an additional 58.04 acres of land were leased from the
government.
The purpose of this Social Assessment report is to examine the due diligence procedures involved
in land acquisition and ensure compliance with all relevant policies.
Energy is a crucial asset for the economic growth of any country, and electricity is widely accepted
for both industrial and residential use. In Bangladesh, the current electricity generation is
insufficient to meet the increasing demand due to limited resources and technology. However,
solar energy holds great promise in the country. Advancements in 21st-century technology have
made it easier to generate electricity from solar energy, offering an opportunity to reduce
dependency on the national grid.
The purpose of this project is to harness the potential of solar energy and leverage the
advancements in solar-based technologies. With the decreasing costs of solar panels globally,
electricity generated from solar sources is expected to become more cost-effective compared to
traditional sources. This incentivizes industries to install solar PV-based power plants, leading to
future savings on electricity expenses. The current cost of electricity from solar plants is already
comparable to the grid tariff, and it is projected to become even more affordable than the grid
tariff in the future due to the declining prices of solar technologies.
However, it is important to recognize that solar projects have inherent environmental and social
impacts. In Bangladesh, solar projects with a capacity of more than 1 MW fall under the 'Orange
B' category according to the Department of Environment's (DoE) Environmental Conservation
Rules (ECR) 1997. Thus, conducting a Social and Land Assessment (SLA) becomes a crucial planning
and decision-making tool for the project proponent.
The project aims to generate electricity through PV power, which is a pollution-free method
compared to conventional electricity generation. This clean energy production from renewable
resources will contribute to reducing the consumption of alternative fuels such as gas, coal, and
liquid fuels, leading to a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants. By lowering
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electricity generation costs compared to conventional fuels, the project will help reduce the fiscal
deficit of the Government of Bangladesh. Recognizing the potential of the sector, the
Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL) has explored opportunities to promote
and develop solar power plant projects to contribute to alternative and renewable energy
production in the country.
C. Project Description
The proposed project entails the establishment of a 30 MWp (AC) coupled solar power plant-
based Grid-Tied Solar PV Power Plant located at Bhotemari union in Kaliganj upazila of
Lalmonirhat district. The system includes a 30 MWp (AC) on-grid solar power plant and a 7.8 km
33kV Transmission Line. The installation and supervision of the power plant are managed by
Solarland Engineering & Development Co., Ltd. The equipment suppliers and technical
consultants are Antai Technology Co. Ltd., with equipment manufacturers from China, Malaysia,
and Germany.
The system consists of 30 MWp on-grid solar PV panels that have been distributed through a
transmission line. Intraco Solar Power Ltd. has a total land area of 98.03 acres, with 58.04 acres
leased from the government and 39.99 acres purchased. The estimated area required for the 30
MW (AC) solar plant is 90 acres, with an additional 8.03 acres allocated for road access, 7.8 km
for the transmission line, and free area.
The project aims to supply electricity to nearby households, shops, social entities such as schools,
mosques, madrasas, non-government institutions, rice mills, husking mills, and irrigation pumps.
By contributing to the national grid, the project supports the provision of reliable electricity. The
construction of the power plant and transmission line has already been completed.
The process of land taking has been completed for the project, and the team has conducted
meetings with landowners and thoroughly verified all land documents to ensure that the
principles of willing buyer-willing seller were followed, and lands were taken without any
coercion. To assess the impact of the project, comprehensive surveys and constructive
stakeholder consultation meetings were conducted, covering both household and community
levels.
The project required a total of 98.03 acres of land, with 58.04 acres leased from the government
and 39.99 acres acquired through purchase. The allocation of land for different project
components was carefully planned, with approximately 90 acres designated for the 30 MW (AC)
solar area, and the remaining 8.03 acres allocated for the access road, free land, and transmission
line.
During the land verification process, it was determined that there were 87 private landowners, all
of whom were compensated based on the agreed price. The agreed price exceeded the mouza
rate and, in most cases, was 6 to 10 times higher. Additionally, there were 27 affected households
that cultivated land on government land. Both landowners and non-titled farmers engaged in the
cultivation of crops such as corn, rice, nuts, and vegetables. The affected land was primarily used
for one-crop cultivation. Out of the 115 landowners involved, 27 owned government land, while
the rest represented households. None of the landowners or non-titled farmers (27) lost any
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residential or commercial structures, and they all have existing residential structures in the
surrounding areas.
During the construction phase, 80% of the workers were recruited from the local community.
Many affected landowners and non-titled farmers were provided job opportunities during the
construction phase, and some continue to be employed now that the project is operational. The
project has had financial implications for all households, but fortunately, no households have
expressed physical displeasure due to the implementation of the project. Through extensive
consultations and considering diverse stakeholder perspectives, efforts have been made to
ensure that the project progresses with sensitivity and inclusivity, addressing the financial
implications while striving to minimize any negative physical impacts on the affected households.
During preparation of the Social and Land Assessment (SLA) report, team has conducted
consultations and FGDs with the landowners and non-titled farmers to know the process taken
by the ISPL during preparation and implementation stage. During the consultation meeting with
the stakeholder, it was confirmed that has incorporated public consultation, including stakeholder
identification, to ensure their perspectives are considered. During the construction phase of the
project, the contractor developed a detailed stakeholder engagement plan. In terms of land
acquisition, the project authority has acquired the necessary private lands in a manner that
benefits both parties and avoids any negative repercussions. The SLA document thoroughly
considers all potential impacts that may arise from the project activities and provides appropriate
mitigation measures. To address project-related queries, complaints, and grievances regarding
the application of social impacts assessment and mitigation guidelines, the Project Management
has established a Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) committee. This committee is responsible
for responding to queries, addressing complaints, and resolving grievances amicably and
expeditiously, without the need for costly and time-consuming legal actions.
Consultation meetings are the channels to ensure participation of the project beneficiary and
affected population to give their opinions to be integrated in the project planning process. All
relevant views of affected people and other stakeholders need to be considered in decision
making, such as project design, the sharing of development benefits and opportunities, and
implementation. A total of 02-consultation meetings and 01 FGD meetings have been conducted
atin May 2023 during the conducting Land Assessment and Socio-economic survey period in the
project site. Consultation meetings were held on 13 and 15 March, 2023 at Project area during
the conducting Land Assessment survey of the project area. Therefore, female participations also
have been ascertained in the meetings, as well as the female household heads were separately
interviewed during Land Assessment survey. The focus group meetings were arranged among
landowners, as these are the most prominent groups along the alignment. Affected people and
other stakeholders were consulted during Land Assessment and Socio-economic survey. The
consultation process was adopted to share the necessary information on the project timeline and
purposes of the surveys as well as building rapport with the affected households and
communities. During community level meetings, people were informed about the project
objectives and extensive question and answer sessions were conducted to clarify the project
related works and activities.
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F. Socio-Economic Profile
To assess the current socio-economic status, a survey was conducted on 40 households
comprising 183 individuals whose land or livelihood were affected. The survey aimed to capture
the socio-economic profile of the affected population, including factors such as gender, age
distribution, religion, income, expenditure, occupation, and education level in the project-
affected area.
The average household size is 4.58 individuals. Male-headed households account for 97.54% of
the total, while female-headed households represent only 7.46%. The age-sex distribution
indicates that the majority of the population falls within the age range of 30-59 years. However,
the population sharply decreases after 60 years of age. In terms of religion, most of the population
in the project area are Muslim. Interestingly, the survey findings indicate that females have a
higher level of education compared to the male population in the project area.
Summary finding:
1. All the landowners received compensation
2. All the lands are taken through willing buyer willing seller process
3. No lands are taken forcefully
4. Non-tiled farmers received compensation for their income lose
5. All the landowners confirmed that they have received compensation 6 to 10 times of
mouza rate
6. The non-titled farmers also received compensation for the income loss
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Contents
GLOSSARY ................................................................................................................................. 2
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................................ 4
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................... 11
1.1 Introduction............................................................................................................... 11
1.2 Project Description .................................................................................................... 11
1.3 Objectives and Scopes............................................................................................... 12
1.4 Data Collection and Analysis ..................................................................................... 13
1.5 Project Location......................................................................................................... 13
CHAPTER TWO: LAND ACQUISITION AND INVOLUNTARY RESETTLEMENT ................. 14
2.1. Overview of Land Procurement Process ................................................................... 14
2.2. Background of Procurement of land ......................................................................... 15
2.3. Permits and Approval ................................................................................................ 16
2.4. Land Identification and initial discussion .................................................................. 16
2.5. Consent from Local administration and landowners ................................................ 17
2.6. Verification of Land Ownership Documents and Agreements by Legal Consultants18
2.7. Profile of Land Use and Landowners ........................................................................ 19
2.8. Preparation of Land Sale Deed and Determination of Land Price ............................ 19
2.9. Payment for Land Transfer to the Land Sellers ......................................................... 20
2.10. Willing Land Sellers ................................................................................................... 22
2.11. Classification of the Land Transaction ...................................................................... 25
2.12. Utilization of the Land Price Received and Land Procurement Status ..................... 26
CHAPTER THREE: SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF AFFECTED HOUSEHOLDS
.................................................................................................................................................. 27
3.1 Introduction............................................................................................................... 27
3.2 Demographic Profile of Affected HHs ....................................................................... 27
3.2.1 Gender Distribution of Household Heads .......................................................... 28
3.2.2 Age and Sex Distribution of Affected Population .............................................. 28
3.2.3 Sex Profile of Affected HHs ................................................................................ 29
3.2.4 Marital Status ..................................................................................................... 29
3.3 Socio-Economic Profile of Affected Population ............................................................. 30
3.3.1 Distribution of Household Population ............................................................... 30
3.3.2 Education Level of Affected Population (7 Years and above) ........................... 30
3.3.3 Occupation of the Population ............................................................................ 31
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3.3.4 Per capita income of affected HHs .................................................................... 31
CHAPTER FOUR: INFORMATION DISCLOSURE, CONSULTATION AND PARTICIPATION
.................................................................................................................................................. 35
4.1 Consultation ................................................................................................................... 35
4.2 Objective of Public Consultations .................................................................................. 35
4.3 Summary of the consultation meetings......................................................................... 37
4.4 Focused Group Discussion (FGD) ................................................................................... 40
4.5 Information Disclosure................................................................................................... 40
4.6: Stakeholder engagement Plan ...................................................................................... 41
CHAPTER FIVE: GREIVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM ......................................................... 43
5.1 Grievance Redress Mechanism for ISPL Projects........................................................... 43
LIST OF ANNEX:...................................................................................................................... 45
List of Tables
Table 2.1: Government Mouza Rate of Bhotemari Mouza for 2017-2018.............................. 20
Table 2.2: Sample table of amount paid to the land sealer .................................................... 21
Table 2.3: Sample table of amount paid to the government land owner for crops cultivation
.................................................................................................................................................. 21
Table 2.3: Utilization of the Land Price Received .................................................................... 27
Table 3.1: General Profile of Affected Population ................................................................... 27
Table 3.2: Age Sex Distribution of Affected Population .......................................................... 28
Table 3.3: Marital Status of Male & Female population ......................................................... 29
Table 3.4: Level of Education of Affected Population (7 Years and above) ............................ 30
Table 3.5: Distribution of Affected People by occupation (15 years and above) .................... 31
Table 3.6: Per capita income of affected HHs ......................................................................... 31
Table 3.7: Housing infrastructure (n=40) ................................................................................. 32
Table 3.8: Source of water for domestic purposes (n=40) ...................................................... 33
Table 3.9: Source of energy (n=40) .......................................................................................... 33
Table 3.10: energy sources used by the HH for other domestic purposes (n=40) .................. 33
Table 3.11: Type of toilet used by the household ................................................................... 34
Table 3.12: Household Asset.................................................................................................... 34
Table 3.13: Main electric appliances used in the households (n=40) ..................................... 34
Table 4.1: Summary Findings of Public Consultations ............................................................. 37
Table 4.2: Findings on Gender Consultations during SLA and SES .......................................... 38
Table 4.3: Opinion of the Participants during the Focus Group Meetings .............................. 40
Table 4.4: Strategy for Stakeholder Engagement .................................................................... 41
Table 5.1: Committee comprised of the following .................................................................. 44
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List of Figures
Figure 1: Project Location Map ................................................................................................ 14
Figure 2: HH Gender Distribution in Project Area ................................................................... 28
Figure 3: Sex Profile of Affected HHs ....................................................................................... 29
Figure 4: Distribution of HH population .................................................................................. 30
Figure 5: Consultation and FGD Pictures ................................................................................. 36
List of Annex:
Annex-1: Sample of Sale deed copies, compensation payment made .................................. 45
Annex-2: Mouza Rate Sheet.................................................................................................... 58
Annex-3: List of Affected Private Land Owners ...................................................................... 59
Annex-4: List of Government Land Owners ............................................................................ 65
Annex-5: Photographs and Map ............................................................................................. 66
Annex-6: Sample of Payment Voucher Compensation for Crops Value ................................ 68
Annex-7: Consultation Participant List ................................................................................... 74
Annex-8: Individual landowners consent letter ..................................................................... 77
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CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Introduction
The purpose of conducting a Social and Land Assessment (SLA) and Socio-economic Survey (SES)
is to evaluate and understand the potential social impacts of a project. This assessment involves
analyzing both positive and negative impacts and identifying strategies to enhance positive
outcomes and mitigate negative effects. It considers the social context in which the project will
operate, taking into account the perspectives of various stakeholders, including local
communities, government authorities, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The goal of
the assessment is to ensure that the project is designed and implemented in a way that maximizes
positive social impacts while minimizing any adverse effects on the affected communities and
their livelihoods. The findings and recommendations of the assessment are crucial for project
planning, decision-making, and implementation.
Energy, particularly electricity, plays a vital role in the development of a country. However,
Bangladesh currently faces challenges in generating sufficient electricity to meet the growing
demand due to limited resources and technology. In this context, solar energy holds great promise
for Bangladesh's energy needs and can contribute to the national power grid. The country
experiences issues such as load shedding and unauthorized electricity connections, resulting in
inefficient electricity usage and inadequate access to power for many individuals. To address
these challenges and ensure energy security, alternative energy sources such as wind, hydro, and
solar energy have gained significant attention.
With a booming economy and an average growth rate of 8%, Bangladesh's electricity demand is
rising rapidly. The government has initiated projects to tap into the potential of solar energy and
reduce carbon emissions. The cost of solar-based technologies is decreasing, making solar-
generated electricity more affordable compared to traditional sources. As a result, industries are
encouraged to install solar PV-based power plants to save on future electricity expenses. This shift
toward renewable energy aligns with Bangladesh's goal of ensuring universal access to electricity
through sustainable means.
Intraco Solar Power Limited (ISPL) is contributing to these sustainable and cost-saving initiatives
by planning to install a 30 MW (AC) grid-connected Solar PV-based power generation plant in the
Sholmari village of Bhotemari union, located on the Charland island in the Teesta River. This
project aims to leverage the vast potential of solar energy in Bangladesh and bring affordable
electricity to areas that are not adequately served by the traditional grid. By harnessing renewable
energy sources, ISPL is taking part in the country's efforts to achieve sustainable development and
ensure broader access to electricity.
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and Germany.
The system consists of 30 MWp on-grid solar PV panels that have been distributed through a
transmission line. Intraco Solar Power Ltd. has a total land area of 98.03 acres, with 58.04 acres
leased from the government and 39.99 acres purchased. The estimated area required for the 30
MW (AC) solar plant is 90 acres, with an additional 8.03 acres allocated for road access, 7.8 km
for the transmission line, and free area.
The project aims to supply electricity to nearby households, shops, social entities such as schools,
mosques, madrasas, non-government institutions, rice mills, husking mills, and irrigation pumps.
By contributing to the national grid, the project supports the provision of reliable electricity. The
construction of the power plant and transmission line has already been completed.
1. Assessing the steps taken to purchase the land by the third party
a) Procurement of land
b) Permits and Approval
c) Land Identification and initial discussion
d) Consent from Local administration and landowners
e) Verification of Land Ownership Documents and Agreements by Legal Consultants
f) Preparation of Land Sale Deed and Determination of Land Price
g) Payment for Land Transfer to the Land Sellers
h) Willing Land Sellers
i) Review of the Land Procurement Process
j) Utilization of the Land Price Received and Land Procurement Status
k) Consent from all individual landowners
2. Identify whether the consents are taken from all landowners.
3. Identifying the key roles and responsibilities of the implementing agency/third party
4. Identify whether the GRM is functional or not
5. Assessing present status of livelihoods in the area
6. Conduct FGDs/consultation and KII with the landowners and key stakeholders.
7. Propose an action plan based on the assessment.
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1.4 Data Collection and Analysis
Conducted several important tasks as part of the project. Firstly, conducted a comprehensive
scoping exercise to assess the social aspects involved. Concurrently, also undertook a data
gathering task, which included conducting a site visit to verify the existing site conditions and
evaluate the level of development in the surrounding area. This visit provided valuable insights
into the project's context and potential social implications. Additionally, diligently collected input
data required for the analysis of social issues, as identified during the scoping process. With all
the necessary data in hand, proceeded to address the identified social issues using an informed
and comprehensive approach. The completion of these tasks has allowed for a thorough
understanding of the project's social landscape and facilitated effective measures to address the
relevant concerns.
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Figure 1: Project Location Map
The determination of fair prices for the lands involved extensive meetings and consultations with
the landowners, community members, and government land occupiers. These discussions aimed
to establish a mutually agreeable price that would adequately compensate the landowners for
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their land. The process was transparent and accountable, ensuring that all stakeholders had the
opportunity to express their views and concerns. By involving the community and landowners in
the decision-making process, the project aimed to create a sense of ownership and fairness.
Conducting a comprehensive social impact assessment was a crucial step to ensure that the
affected landowners received sufficient support, compensation, and measures for livelihood
restoration. The assessment examined the potential social implications of the project and
identified ways to mitigate any negative impacts on the affected communities. This process
helped identify the specific needs and requirements of the landowners and develop appropriate
measures to address them.
Stakeholder engagement and participation played a significant role in the land taking process. The
project team actively engaged with the landowners, community members, and relevant
stakeholders, seeking their input and incorporating their perspectives into the decision-making
process. This approach ensured that the concerns and interests of all stakeholders were taken
into account, promoting transparency, fairness, and accountability.
The project's commitment to social responsibility and long-term sustainability is evident in the
transparent, fair, and accountable manner in which the land taking process was conducted. By
prioritizing stakeholder engagement, ensuring voluntary participation, and providing adequate
compensation and support, the project aims to foster positive relationships with the affected
communities and uphold its social obligations. These efforts contribute to the project's overall
sustainability and create a foundation for successful implementation and long-term community
support.
The chosen site offered other advantages as well. The land had a relatively low agricultural value,
making it available at a reasonable price. The area had good connectivity, facilitating the
distribution of electricity to nearby residential areas, institutions, and essential facilities. The
lower population in the area minimized complexities associated with land ownership. The
strategic location of the site also made it suitable for meeting the energy needs of rice mills,
husking mills, irrigation pumps, and other important purposes.
The project is located near Sholemari village in the Bhotemari union, Kaliganj Upazila, Lalmonirhat
District, Rangpur Division. The site is situated on an island in the Teesta River, with Sholmari village
over 1 km away and South Bhotemari village on the other side of the project. Residents of South
Bhotemari village rely on mechanized boats to cross the Teesta River. The project site is
conveniently positioned near the Lalmonirhat-Patgram highway, approximately 3 km away.
In total, the project area spans 98.03 acres, consisting of leased government land (58.04 acres)
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and purchased private land (39.99 acres). The government land was previously cultivated by 24
different owners, while the private land was cultivated by 87 owners. It's important to note that
the land was primarily used for one-time crop cultivation and is commonly referred to as Bali
Char.
The chosen site's attributes, including ownership structure, accessibility, and suitability for
electricity distribution, make it an ideal location for the project. This ensures effective service
delivery and meets the energy requirements of the surrounding community, contributing to the
overall success of the project.
The Power Development Board of Bangladesh signed a construction agreement with Intraco Solar
Power Limited (ISPL) in 2017. This agreement solidified the commitment to constructing the
project and outlined the terms and conditions for its implementation. Additionally, a Power
Purchase Agreement (PPA) was signed between the Power Development Board and ISPL. The PPA
ensures that the Power Development Board will procure the power generated by the plant for a
period of 20 years, at a rate of $0.16/kWh. This agreement establishes the commercial and
financial terms under which the generated electricity will be purchased.
The project's financing is being facilitated by the Infrastructure Development Company, based in
Dhaka, as well as local banks. These financial institutions play a crucial role in providing the
necessary funding for the project's development and implementation.
Obtaining these permits, agreements, and approvals from relevant government bodies and
financial institutions is vital for the project's legal compliance and smooth operation. These
regulatory processes ensure that the project adheres to the laws and regulations of the country
and follows the established frameworks for power generation and distribution.
To identify the most appropriate land, the ISPL team conducted thorough on-foot surveys in
consultation with local public representatives. Their objective was to locate land that met the
project's requirements and was suitable for solar power generation. Through these surveys, a
suitable piece of land known locally as Balichar/Danga was identified. This land had previously
been used for agricultural purposes.
Additionally, as part of the land identification process, the project conducted detailed
consultations with the landowners and land occupiers in the project area. These consultations
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were conducted to ensure transparency and provide information about the project's objectives,
scope, potential impacts, benefits, future opportunities, and the land taking process. The project
made it clear to the stakeholders that all land taking would be carried out voluntarily.
During these consultations, the project team engaged in open and informative discussions,
addressing any concerns or questions raised by the landowners and land occupiers. They
emphasized that the project aimed to acquire land through willing participation and cooperation,
without any use of force or compulsion.
The project team provided comprehensive information to the stakeholders, outlining the reasons
for land taking, the expected benefits to the local community, and the opportunities that would
arise from the establishment of the solar power project. They also assured the stakeholders that
appropriate compensation and support measures would be provided to those affected by the
land taking.
By conducting these consultations and providing detailed information, the project aimed to foster
understanding and collaboration among the landowners, land occupiers, and the project team.
This approach ensured that the land taking process was carried out with the full consent and
voluntary participation of the stakeholders, promoting a sense of ownership and cooperation
throughout the project implementation.
Considering several factors, including land valuation assessments conducted by social team, land
categorization, and the willingness of the local community to sell land, ISPL made the decision to
proceed with the land taking of the identified 98.03 acres. This land would provide adequate
space for the construction and operation of the 30 MW (AC) Solar Power Project and the 33kv
transmission line.
Following discussions with the client and project stakeholders, ISPL initiated the process of land
taking. They held initial meetings with the Upazila Chairman of Kaliganj Upazila and the Union
Chairman of Bhoetemari Union to discuss the potential purchase of the agricultural land.
Subsequently, ISPL obtained the necessary documentation, such as Parcha (land records), survey
numbers, and the mouza map, from the local sub-registry office in Kaliganj/Tusbandar, fulfilling
the required administrative procedures.
The project has received a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the local administration,
indicating their approval and support for the land procurement activities. This certificate
validates that the project has met all the required regulations and procedures.
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In addition, individual consent letters have been obtained from each landowner who will be
directly affected by the project. These consent letters demonstrate the voluntary agreement
of the landowners to participate in the land transaction process. The project has engaged in
extensive consultations with the landowners, providing them with detailed information about
the project's objectives, scopes, impacts, benefits, future opportunities, and the land
procurement process. Any concerns or questions raised by the landowners have been
addressed, and appropriate compensation and support measures have been provided as
agreed upon.
The project has adopted a participatory and inclusive approach, ensuring that the affected
communities are actively involved in the decision-making process and their interests are
considered. This approach aims to mitigate any adverse impacts on the affected communities
and ensure a socially responsible land procurement process.
Please note that the specific details of the No Objection Certificate and individual consent
letters is attached with Annex 8.
The Legal Consultant also conducts a cross-verification of the provided Khatiyan records with the
official records maintained at the Deputy Commissioner's (DC) Office. This comparison helps
ensure that the information provided by the seller aligns with the government's official records,
adding an extra layer of verification.
To gain a comprehensive understanding of the land's condition and possession status, the Legal
Consultant's team conducts a physical survey of the land. This on-site survey provides valuable
insights into the current state of the land and verifies its actual possession status.
In situations where the land is recorded in the name of the seller's predecessor, the Warishan
certificate issued by the representative of the local government in favor of the sellers is carefully
examined. This document helps establish the transfer of ownership from the predecessor to the
current seller.
If the land is being sold by an authorized attorney, the Legal Consultant ensures the presence of
a Registered Power of Attorney, authorizing the attorney to engage in the land transaction on
behalf of the owner. Additionally, obtaining a non-encumbrance certificate from the relevant sub-
registry office is a necessary requirement. The Legal Consultant checks the land's legal status, such
as whether it is mortgaged, leased, or owned, at the appropriate sub-registry office. This step
helps ensure that there are no legal encumbrances or disputes associated with the land.
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By undertaking these meticulous measures, the Legal Consultant ensures a comprehensive
examination of the land's legal status and ownership chain. This verification process establishes a
strong foundation for the land transaction, providing assurance and confidence to all parties
involved.
The landowners employed agricultural laborers for crop cultivation and paid them daily wages
ranging from 400 to 600 taka. On average, a landowner earned approximately 80,000 to 90,000
taka from each acre of land through agriculture, with nearly half of the earnings being allocated
towards expenses. Some landowners also leased their land for a year and charged lease amounts
ranging from 10,000 to 15,000 taka per acre.
The land valuation process was conducted meticulously by the land team, considering various
factors such as land classification (e.g., Danga, Balu Char, Doba, Dola, etc.). Based on the
classification, the land purchase team engaged in negotiations with individual landowners to
determine fair land prices. The prevailing market rates, as well as the location, position, and size
of the plots, were taken into account during the negotiations.
During a consultation meeting, the landowners expressed their satisfaction with the land sale,
stating that they willingly sold their land for the project. They confirmed that they received
compensation based on the prevailing market rate, which they considered to be fair.
Furthermore, the landowners of government land mentioned that they were adequately
compensated for the crops they had cultivated on the land. As a testament to their consent and
agreement, all the landowners willingly signed the consent form, which can be found in Annex-2
for further details.
In the process of land acquisition, two types of agreement documents were utilized: the Baina
agreement, which involved an advance amount, and the Power of Attorney (POA) agreement.
Under the Baina agreement, 25-40% of the land fees were paid at the initial stage of land
procurement, with the remaining amount being paid before the completion of the registration
process. On the other hand, the remaining 80% of the land was purchased in cash, without any
advance amount involved, at the time of registration.
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The project has successfully taken the required land parcels through constructive negotiations
with the landowners between 2020 and 2022. During these negotiations, the team ensured that
the sellers were compensated with a fair and current market price for their land. The market price
was estimated to be 5-10 times higher than the Mouza rates for Bhotemari Mouza and 8-10 times
higher than the Mouza rates for Kalikapur Mouza.
The land valuation process conducted by the team was meticulous, taking into account various
factors such as land classification (e.g., Danga, Balu Char, Doba, Dola, etc.). Based on this
classification, the land purchase team engaged in negotiations with individual landowners to
determine the land prices. The negotiations were based on the prevailing market rates, with
consideration given to the location, position, and size of each plot.
For Bhotemari Mouza, the minimum land price was set at BDT 13,750 per decimal, while the
average and maximum prices were BDT 20,302 and BDT 60,000 per decimal, respectively.
Similarly, for Kalikapur Mouza, the minimum land price was set at BDT 9,907 per decimal, while
the average and maximum prices were BDT 14,643 and BDT 15,625 per decimal, respectively.
It is important to note that the Mouza rates were last updated in 2017-18, and the corresponding
land prices per decimal and per acre are detailed in Table 2.1. The government Mouza rates for
Bhotemari Mouza and Kalikapur Mouza are provided for reference.
Approximately 90 acres of land have been earmarked for the designated 30 MW (AC) solar area,
and an additional 8.03 acres have been allocated for road access, a 7.8 km transmission line, and
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free space. It should be noted that the project primarily utilizes privately owned and purchased
land. However, consideration has also been given to government road-side vacant land in specific
areas, which has been utilized for straining the transmission lines and establishing tower footing.
No compensation was required for the use of government road-side vacant land for these
purposes. However, compensation was paid for the government land occupiers for the loss of
income from the one crop agricultural land.
After thorough discussions with the land sellers and the land team, it has been confirmed that the
project titleholders have received an amount exceeding the value mentioned in the sale deed.
ISPL made the payment in cash and check, which constituted the purchase price mentioned in the
sale deed. In addition to this, non-title holders and government landowners were compensated
for the one-time value of their crops.
For lands where towers have been constructed on privately owned land that was not purchased,
detailed compensation mechanisms have been put in place in accordance with the Electricity Act
2018, Electricity Rules 2020 (amendment 2022). These mechanisms ensure fair compensation for
the landowners based on the relevant regulations
Table 2.3: Sample table of amount paid to the government land owner for crops cultivation
SL Name Mouza Name Plot No Total area Total crops Per
in acre value decimal
crops value
1 Saiful Islam Bhotemari 10073 1.23 110,700 900
2 Md. Akbar Bhotemari 10212, 0.0295 4,800 1,655
10213
3 Zakirul Bhotemari 10059, 1.16 104,400 900
10061
4 Anser Ali Kalikapur 184, 185 3.00 270,000 900
5 Asadul Haque Bhotemari 10102 0.60 54,000 900
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2.10. Willing Land Sellers
In cases where government land is unavailable or additional land is required, the project may
acquire private land through voluntary land transactions (willing buyer-willing seller) and
voluntary land donation. However, utmost care must be taken to ensure that landowners have
the ability to retain their land and refuse to sell or donate it without the threat of compulsory
acquisition. They should be fully informed about the available choices and their implications.
The application of these schemes, willing buyer-willing seller and voluntary land donation (VLD),
is subject to certain protocols to assess the risks associated with their implementation. These
approaches will only be considered under specific circumstances: a) when the land requirement
is small, b) when no site-specific linear infrastructure exists without alternative siting options, and
c) when viable alternative locations are available for the project. Additionally, the land in question
should be free from disputes regarding ownership or tenure.
These conditions also apply when third parties act on behalf of the project, such as land
consolidators, aggregators, developers, or other agents. The consultant team exercise their best
judgment and conduct due diligence to avoid adverse impacts and reputational risks when dealing
with voluntary land transactions or applying the willing buyer-willing seller scheme. It is assumed
that the project's benefits will outweigh the loss of the donated land.
However, the willing buyer-willing seller approaches are not applicable in the following scenarios:
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land donation approach to be suitable for the sub-project. The project team should provide
detailed information, including:
Agreements should be reached on which party will bear the costs associated with the land
donation. This includes expenses like measurement costs, documentation and notarial fees,
transfer taxes, registration fees, as well as any costs related to re-measuring or re-titling the
remaining land of the donor or transferee and obtaining new documentation.
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• The purpose, duration, and beneficiaries of the land's use.
• The implications of losing ownership or usage rights.
• The right to refuse to sell or donate the land.
• Alternative options for land usage.
• The necessary steps involved in the donation process, such as executing documents,
obtaining spousal consents, and fulfilling tax obligations.
• The impact of the donation on their family and the available recourse if they or their family
members/heirs wish to reclaim the land.
• The precise demarcation of land boundaries for the project's use.
• Proposals, if any, that allow for the use of alternative land.
• The intergenerational effects of the donation on their family and the available recourse if
they or their family members/heirs wish to reclaim the land.
• Terms and conditions of the willing buyer-willing seller should be mutually agreed upon
and documented in a written agreement. The agreement should clearly outline the rights
and obligations of all parties involved, including the transfer of ownership or usage rights,
any compensation or considerations, and any other relevant terms.
Furthermore, it is essential to ensure that the agreement reflects the informed consent of the
landowner(s) or user(s) and that they have had ample opportunity to ask questions, seek
clarification, and fully understand the implications of the transaction. This may involve providing
additional information or engaging in further consultations to address any concerns or
reservations.
Throughout the entire process, transparency and open communication are crucial. The project
team should maintain clear records of all consultations, meetings, grievances, and actions taken
to address any concerns raised by the landowners or users. This documentation will serve as
evidence of due diligence and help prevent disputes or misunderstandings in the future.
By following these protocols and conducting thorough assessments and due diligence, the project
can ensure that the willing buyer-willing seller or voluntary land donation approach is
implemented appropriately and in line with the principles of informed consent, fair
compensation, and transparency.
Documentation:To ensure proper documentation throughout the process, the following steps should
be taken:
• Distinguishing between the agreement to donate the land and the document that legally
transfers the land: It is important to have both evidence of the intention and agreement
to donate the land and the legal transfer of the land. While the agreement signifies the
willingness to donate, the legal transfer ensures certainty and sustainability of the
infrastructure. Both aspects must be addressed to avoid future uncertainties.
• Land Commitment Letter: Two representatives of the landowners, typically from the family or
clan, should sign a Land Commitment Letter. This letter certifies the voluntary donation of
land for the project investment and the benefit of the community. The signature of the letter
should be witnessed by a suitable project representative.
• Identification of appropriate documentation: The project team should identify the necessary
documentation, including the agreement to transfer the land and any legal documents
required for the transfer. The agreement should reference the consultations that took place,
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outline the terms of the transfer, confirm the voluntary nature of the decision, and include an
accurate map of the land boundaries.
• Signing of documents: All relevant parties, including spouses and eligible children, should sign
the documents to ensure their consent. This step ensures that all stakeholders are aware of
and agree to the transfer.
• Registration or recording of the transfer: The project team should ensure that the transfer and
title of the land are properly registered or recorded according to the applicable legal
procedures. This step helps establish legal certainty and protects the rights of the project and
the community.
• Maintenance of a record of the process: It is crucial to maintain a comprehensive record of
the entire process. This record should include the initial notification of land acquisition,
records of consultations conducted, documentation of due diligence, copies of formal
statements of donation indicating informed consent, evidence of the legal transfer of the land,
and a map showing each parcel of land involved.
• By meticulously documenting the process and adhering to these guidelines, the project can
establish a transparent and accountable framework for land transfer, ensuring the voluntary
nature of the donation and minimizing future disputes or uncertainties.
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• The 24 government occupiers received sufficient compensation for the cultivation of
crops on their land, indicating fair treatment.
• The Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) did not impose any compulsory
acquisition option on ISPL or its sponsor, indicating that the process was not forced.
• Extensive discussions and negotiations took place between the project team of ISPL and
the landowners over a span of four years (2018-2022), demonstrating a commitment to
transparent communication and providing the landowners with a comprehensive
understanding of the project's purpose.
• Agreements between the landowners and ISPL were carefully documented through a
"Baina" process, followed by the official transfer of land ownership, ensuring legal validity.
• A legal counsel hired by ISPL oversaw the documentation and consent process to ensure
the legality and proper consent of the land transfer.
• As of January 2022, there are no ongoing litigations or legal disputes concerning the land
in question, indicating a lack of contentious issues.
• Discussions with the landowners and the land team of ISPL revealed no instances of
coercion, distressed sales, or similar situations during the land purchase process,
suggesting a fair and equitable transaction.
• ISPL took responsibility for covering all costs associated with the registration of the land
and other transaction-related expenses, further supporting the fairness of the process.
Considering these factors, it can be concluded that the land procurement process for the ISPL
project was conducted in a transparent, voluntary, and legally sound manner, respecting the
rights and interests of the landowners involved.
2.12. Utilization of the Land Price Received and Land Procurement Status
Based on the field survey, the following information provides an overview of land utilization and
the current status of land procurement work:
• The majority of landowners (87.5%) have utilized the land price received to purchase
alternate land.
• Many individuals have acquired land in the Kaliganj/Tusvandar area for various vital and
commercial purposes.
• Some landowners have invested in agricultural land adjacent to the project area, possibly
for farming or related activities.
• Business Purposes:
Other Utilizations:
Some landowners have utilized the funds for purposes such as education or family maintenance.
These cases demonstrate the diverse range of purposes for which the land price has been utilized.
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Please note that the above information is a summary based on the field survey. Further details
and specific examples of land utilization can be included in the complete report to provide a
comprehensive understanding of how stakeholders are utilizing their land price and the current
status of land procurement work.
Table 2.3: Utilization of the Land Price Received
SL Utilization No %
1 Buy Alternate Land 35 87.50
2 Business 1 2.50
3 Others (education, treatment family maintenance etc.) 4 10.00
Total 40 100
3.1 Introduction
Profile of the affected population is divided into two different segments in this chapter. Initially,
the demographic characteristics of the affected HHs are studied based on field findings in
demographic profile section of this chapter. The socio-economic profile of the affected HHs is
consequently presented following demographic profile of the HHs. A total of 40 HHs comprises
of 183 people will be affected by the project with average HH size 4.58 which is higher than
the national average (4.35) according to BBS 2011, Bangladesh.
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3.2.1 Gender Distribution of Household Heads
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3.2.3 Sex Profile of Affected HHs
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3.3 Socio-Economic Profile of Affected Population
Socio-economic profile of the affected area is analyzed based on affected land type, HH size, level
of education, occupation, per capita income and marital status. The survey findings indicate that
most of the affected lands are used for commercial or residential purpose in the project area. The
average HH size is 4.58. The education level of the project area is in consequence with the national
education level; higher number of pupils enters primary and secondary education and the rate
then sharply decreases as it comes to higher education. But literacy rate is higher for male
population compared to the female.
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3.3.3 Occupation of the Population
A wide variety of occupations have been identified during the SES survey conducted in this phase
of the project. The population distribution, categorized by gender and their engagement in
various primary occupations, is presented in the table below. The project location exhibits a
diverse range of occupational choices, with agriculture being the predominant sector, accounting
for 38.57% of the total. The female population primarily consists of housewives, with 37.86% of
the total population aged 15 and above being housewives. In addition to business, other
significant occupations include involvement with services, day labor, driving, students, and animal
husbandry. Moreover, a minimal number of individuals have been identified as elderly.
Table 3.5: Distribution of Affected People by occupation (15 years and above)
Male Female Overall
SL. Occupation
% % %
1 Agriculture 67.50 0.00 38.57
2 Service 1.25 0.00 0.71
3 House Wife 0.00 88.33 37.86
4 Fisher Man 1.25 0.00 0.71
5 Business 2.50 0.00 1.43
6 Day Labour 7.50 0.00 4.29
7 Driver 1.25 0.00 0.71
8 Student 12.50 1.67 7.86
9 Mechanic 2.50 0.00 1.43
10 Animal husbandry 1.25 6.67 3.57
11 Aged Person 2.50 3.33 2.86
Total 100 100 100
Source: SES survey conducted by ISPL, May, 2023
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3.3.5 Gender Equity in Works
To address the disproportionate impact of resettlement on poor and vulnerable women, the
following measures have been included in the Land Acquisition and Resettlement (SLA) plan:
Socio-economic Assessment:
• Conducting a comprehensive assessment to identify the socio-economic condition, needs,
and priorities of women separately.
• Monitoring and evaluating the impact of land acquisition and resettlement on women to
ensure their specific concerns are addressed.
Recognition of Female-Headed Households:
• Identifying and acknowledging female-headed households among those affected by the
resettlement.
• Establishing entitlement criteria that recognize the unique circumstances of female-
headed households.
Ensuring Non-Disadvantageous Treatment:
• Providing entitlements and compensation that ensure women are not disadvantaged by
the process of land acquisition and resettlement.
• Taking into account the traditional roles and responsibilities of women and addressing
their specific needs in terms of alternative housing options.
In-Kind Resources:
Providing resources in-kind in the name of the household head or the actual owner, which can
help address potential issues related to land ownership and gender equity.
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SL Type of Houses Total %
2 Semi-pucca 19 47.50
3 Tin-made 17 42.50
4 Katcha 1 2.50
Total 40 100
Source: SES survey conducted by ISPL, May, 2023
3.3.7 Household amenities
Households draw water from diverse and multiple sources. A total of 69.39% of the households
has their own private tube well. Water is collected from a public tube well installed by the
public by 4.08%. Another 26.53% of the household’s access water from rivers and ponds.
Table 3.8: Source of water for domestic purposes (n=40)
SL Water Source Total %
1 Personal Tube-well 34 69.39
2 Public well/Tube-well 2 4.08
3 Pond/River 13 26.53
Total 49 100
Source: SES survey conducted by ISPL, May, 2023
Electricity is available in 20.0% of the households. The rest 80.0% is not connected to
electricity, they are using solar energy for lighting purposes.
Table 3.9: Source of energy (n=40)
SL Source for Lighting Total %
1 Only Electricity 2 5
2 Only Solar 32 80
3 Solar and Electricity 6 15
Total 40 100
Source: SES survey conducted by ISPL, May, 2023
The table provides an overview of the energy sources used by households for other domestic
purposes. The majority of households, accounting for 77.50%, rely on firewood as their
primary energy source. A smaller percentage of households use a combination of grid
electricity and gas (15.00%), grid electricity and kerosene (5.00%), or gas and kerosene
(2.50%). Firewood remains the most prevalent energy source among the surveyed
households, indicating a significant reliance on traditional methods for domestic energy
needs.
Table 3.10: energy sources used by the HH for other domestic purposes (n=40)
SL Energy Source Total %
1 Grid Electricity and Gas 6 15.00
2 Grid Electricity and Kerosene 2 5.00
3 Gas and Kerosene 1 2.50
4 Firewood 31 77.50
Total 40 100
Source: SES survey conducted by ISPL, May, 2023
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All households surveyed in this study have access to individual toilets. The distribution of
toilet types reveals that 97.50% of households utilize pit toilets, while 2.50% use water
seal/slab ring toilets. This indicates that the majority of households rely on pit toilets for
their sanitation needs, while a small proportion has access to water seal/slab ring toilets.
Table 3.11: Type of toilet used by the household
SL Type of Toilet Total %
2 Slab-toilet 1 2.50
3 Pit Toilet 39 97.50
Total 40 100
Source: SES survey conducted by ISPL, May, 2023
The analysis reveals that motorcycles are the most prevalent asset, owned by 23.08% of
households, followed closely by bicycles at 26.92%. Mobile phones are widely owned, with
26.15% of households reporting ownership. Vans, tractors, and water pumps are less
commonly owned assets, with ownership reported by 13.85%, 6.92%, and 3.08% of
households, respectively. This data provides insights into the transportation,
communication, and agricultural resources available within the surveyed households.
Table 3.12: Household Asset
SL Name of Assets Total %
1 Van 18 13.85
2 Motorcycle 30 23.08
3 Bicycle 35 26.92
4 Tractor 9 6.92
5 Water Pump 4 3.08
6 Mobile Phone 34 26.15
Total 130 100
Source: SES survey conducted by ISPL, May, 2023
Table 3.13 provides an analysis of the main electric appliances used in households. The
findings reveal that televisions are the most commonly owned appliance, with 27 households
(26.47%) reporting ownership. Radios are owned by 11 households (10.78%), while fridges
and electric fans are each owned by 8 households (7.84%). Irons are owned by 6 households
(5.88%), and rice cookers are the least common appliance, owned by just 1 household
(0.98%). Additionally, a significant number of households (40.20%) reported ownership of
other cooking goods. This data showcases the prevalence of televisions and the variety of
electric appliances used for cooking and household needs within the surveyed households
Table 3.13: Main electric appliances used in the households (n=40)
SL Name of Assets Total %
1 Television 27 26.47
2 Radio 11 10.78
3 Fridge 8 7.84
4 Fen 8 7.84
5 Iron 6 5.88
6 Rice Cooker 1 0.98
7 Others Cooking Goods 41 40.20
Total 102 100
Source: SES survey conducted by ISPL, May, 2023
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CHAPTER FOUR: INFORMATION DISCLOSURE, CONSULTATION AND PARTICIPATION
4.1 Consultation
▪ As an integral part of the safeguards planning process, various stakeholders were
consulted including local people and communities during the preparation of the SLA and
SES. Gender consultations were also carried during SES survey among women to seek
women’s view on the project and to make them aware about the project. It ensured that
the affected people and other stakeholders are informed, consulted and allowed to
participate actively in the process of project preparation and aware about the positive
and negative impact of the Project. The process of consultation will be continued
through out project cycle with various stakeholders such as affected people, concerned
line department such as revenue, horticulture, agriculture departments and local
administration.
▪ Public consultations were carried out with groups of people their community -based
organizations in the project impact areas for the purpose of disclosing information about
the proposed project and its various activities and eliciting their views and c oncerns.
The consultations covered the proposed project site which covers project area. The
feedback received from consultations meeting will be used by the project executing
agencies to carryout necessary revisions to the technical designs in order to minimize
the resettlement impacts. Furthermore, consultation outcomes were also helpful in
establishing appropriate safeguards measures in preparation of the RP. The
consultations were also held with several officials of the ISPLs as well as with the
affected persons (APs) in the project areas during project preparation.
▪ For the preparation of this resettlement plan, a total 2 public consultation meetings and
2 Focus Group Discussion (FGD) were conducted on the location of the Solar Plant of
may, 2023. Among the total 2 consultation meetings, 1-consultation meetings were
conducted in ISPL project area and 01 consultation, meetings were conducted with
respective ISPL officials. The key objectives of the consultation meetings were to
disclose the positive and negative impacts of the project to the community and
stakeholders as well as to ensure inclusion of views and opinions from project affected
persons about its impacts on their livelihood and wellbeing.
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• To seek the overall no objection from the local on the acceptability of the project
• To seek communities’ support toward the project.
• Make people aware about the project and its potential impacts with proposed mitigation
measures.
• Understand the views of the people affected, with reference to loss of land, assets and its
due compensation.
• Develop a thorough coordination between all stakeholders for the successful
implementation of the project.
• The available information strongly suggests that the landowners willingly sold their land,
as there is no evidence of any forced or coerced transactions.
• To make the aware about the next plan of action relating to project implementation.
• Make them aware about the, compensation methods, grievance redress mechanism etc.
and seeking their views on continued participation.
Consultation meeting with ISPL Officials Consultation meeting with land owners
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4.3 Summary of the consultation meetings
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Issues Discussed People’s Views and Perception
study and engage in various learning activities, particularly
during the evening hours.
Perceived loss Almost all the villagers felt that there are no such negative
impacts from this proposed project. Though there are some
perceived losses these are very minimal in nature as they feel
that there could be disruption of agricultural activities during
stinging of feeder line or loss of crops if not avoided
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Issues Discussed Women’s views and perception
labour women get less than the amount received by the
male members. The gap is more in non-agricultural labour
and construction work.
Role of women in the decision- All the women members felt that they have equal say along
making of the household with the male counterpart regarding household decisions on
important matters such as education, health of children. As
per the tradition, women in the household have right to
property and inheritance, Due to this, they have more say in
purchase of assets, and financial matters though they
consult the spouse on this. Working women have more
power on the use of their money but they take the decision
after discussion with other family members. Most of the
women agreed that due to the matrilineal nature of society,
their view is prevailed on household decision making.
Availability of public health In majority of the villages there are sub-centre and Primary
facilities and quality of services Healthcare Centre (PHC) facilities. Women generally visit
these facilities to seek first level of basic treatment for
different ailments. However, in majority of the sub-centres
there is poor infrastructure and in majority of PHCs no lady
doctor is available. Due to these factors, home delivery is still
practiced. Civil hospitals are mainly located in towns and the
villages near to the towns avail the good facilities of these
hospitals.
Commonly prevalent diseases During consultation, most of the women members reported
among the community that high blood pressure and diabetes are prevalent among
the community. It was also mentioned that in some of the
villages, malaria is prevalent in the area. The community
generally seek allopathic treatment for the above ailments.
Incidence of domestic violence Almost all the women felt that there is no such incidence of
at their home domestic violence. Though there are disagreements
between wife and husband there are no such cases of wife
beating. Some women members mentioned that though
there are incidences where male members of the
community drink alcohol that does translate into violent
behaviour with women.
Overall observation Women in the community are hard working. They are
engaged in almost all the productive activities of the
household. The society follows Islamic and government rules
in which the right of property and inheritance passes to
women members of the family. All these factors contribute
to make the women members more empowered. Women
members also have active interest to learn other skills for
strengthening the income of the household.
Overall ,the people living in project impact areas did not raise any critical objections to the
proposed projects as they believed that this projects would yield benefits to the localities as well
as the country as a whole in terms of power supply expansion and reliability improvement. The
households who were not connected to electricity supply and lived within the impact areas of
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the proposed rural electrification schemes of ISPL expressed their strong support for the project
as they aspired to get electricity supply to their households which would eventually minimize
their current costs of energy and improve their livelihood practices, living conditions and quality
of life. Those communities were of the view that they would be able to use electricity for
irrigation of their cultivations, poultry farming, aquaculture farming, tailoring work and other
cottage industries such as running rice grinding mills. They also believed that household
electrification would enhance the convenience for their children to engage in studies. The
households did not expect any compensation for loss of trees or crops in the event of their
removal or clearance to pave the way for the installation of electricity poles and lines. They
valued the electricity supply to their villages more than the compensation.
Overall, the communities did not have objections to the project provided it does not affect their
properties and livelihoods. If subprojects caused any adverse impacts on individual properties,
valuable tree species and cultivations, people requested that such losses irrespective of whether
they are permanent or temporary should be compensated adequately and timely.
Table 4.3: Opinion of the Participants during the Focus Group Meetings
Date and Focused Group Opinion of the Participants
time
15th May , Farmer group The farmers were consulted in a group. According to their
2022 views, their agriculture land affected by this proposed
alignment. They cultivate mainly corn and some different
type’s of seasonal crops in that land. Their livelihood
basically depend on these agriculture land. As the
displacement is mandatory due to the project with
immediate effect, so they may search alternative job from
now. They requested to keep provision of their
deployment in a suitable position for male and female in
the project construction works. It will help them to restore
their standard of living.
15th May, Female group The female are traditionally involved in household chores.
2023 They profoundly advised the project to acquire plain land
from the other side to avoid displacement of residents
from this side. They were worried about their physical
displacement and loss of livelihood opportunities.
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procedures were shared with APs during consultations. The project management units (PMUs) of
the executing agencies through its regional branches and officers will continue their
communications with the APs and other stakeholders and disclose information such as the dates
of final constriction and census of affected households, valuation procedures, project related
impacts, specific entitlements of the APs, compensation procedures, grievance redress
procedures and dates of the commencement of civil works. Brochures and posters containing
relevant information will be printed in local languages and they will be made available/displayed
at places easily accessible to APs and other interested parties. A translation of the Entitlement
Matrix in local languages will be made available for public scrutiny.
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Topic(s) of engagement Method(s) used Target Responsibilities
stakeholders
-Disclosure of written
information: brochures,
posters, flyers in Bangla,
-ISPL website
-Notice board(s) at
construction sites (Bangla)
- Legal compliance - During COVID-19 period Other Interested - PMU
issues digital/ IT based Parties (External) Contractor
- Coordination interactions/ FGD in small - SREDA
activities groups through VTC/other - Other project
- Grievance means to be arranged. developers,
mechanism process - Face-to-face meetings. donors
- Invitations to
public/community meetings
- Submission of required
reports
Stage-3 Operating & Maintenance
- Satisfaction with - Outreach to individual PAPs Project Affected - PMU
engagement activities - ISPL website People: - Contractor
and GRM - Grievance mechanism - Land owners
- Grievance - Vulnerable
mechanism process Customers
- Damage claim - Community
process people.
- Grievance - Grievance mechanism Other Interested - PMU
mechanism process - ISPL website Parties (External) Contractor
- Issues of concern - Face-to-face meetings in - Press and media
- Status and post covid situation. - NGOs
compliance reports - Submission of reports as - Academic
required institutions
- National
Government
Ministries
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CHAPTER FIVE: GREIVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM
The legal framework of Bangladesh does not provide any institutional mechanism, other than the
court of law for resolving project based grievances that may be raised by project affected parties.
Furthermore, since the legal framework does not recognize the rights of non-titled persons to
land based compensation and other assistance, there is no mechanism to hear and redress
grievances of such affected persons. Grievances raised by APs can range from disputes over
ownership of the affected lands to issues related to possible exclusion of affected persons and
their assets from the census surveys, the valuation of affected assets, compensation entitlements,
disruptions to livelihoods, complaints against construction related inconveniences and
disturbances such as those arising from dust, noise, access difficulties etc.
Meanwhile, the APs can report any project related grievances such as cutting down trees on the
RoW, distribution lines crossing over houses or home gardens, safety issues etc. to the Field
Inspectors of the complaint centers. If the issue/s cannot be resolved by the Field Inspectors, they
will be brought to the notice of the Engineering Consultant of the ISPL who is responsible for field
level supervisions including supervision of construction and maintenance work. The Consultant in
collaboration with the respective field inspectors will review and resolve the grievances within a
maximum period of 7 days. If an amicable settlement could not be reached, such grievances will
be forwarded to the General Manager of the ISPL for resolution. The grievances forwarded to the
GM will be resolved within a period of 7 days. If the APs were dissatisfied with the decision of the
GM, they can seek redress through the court of law.
The GRC is active and functional. Landowners and community people are aware of the community
people are aware of the GRC. They can raise grievance without any fear.
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Table 5.1: Committee comprised of the following
Name Designation Mobile No Committee
Designation
Md. Robiul Islam General Manager (HR & 01713236107 Secretary
Admin)
Md. Robiul Hossain Manager (HR & Admin) 01713115028 Member Secretary
Mamun
Md. Amaanulla Aman Manager (Electrical) 01728705828 Member
Md. Sattar Prodhan Supervisor (Security) 01849486051 Member
Summary finding:
• All the landowners received compensation
• All the lands are taken through willing buyer willing seller process
• No lands are taken forcefully
• Non-tiled farmers received compensation for their income lose
• All the landowners confirmed that they have received compensation 6 to 10 times of
mouza rate
• The non-titled farmers also received compensation for the income loss
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LIST OF ANNEX:
Annex-1: Sample of Sale deed copies, compensation payment made
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Annex-2: Mouza Rate Sheet
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Annex-3: List of Affected Private Land Owners
SL Name Father/H Mouaz Khotian Plot No Dee Tota Total Rate
usband Name No d No l Compensa per
land tion dec.
sold
1 Abdus Bhote 1298 10077 2538 0.61
Md. Bulu Sattar mari 1,000,000 16,393
2 Md.
Md. Lutfor Keramat Bhote
Rahman ali mari
3 Abu Khaled Md. 506, 10215, 2599 1.17
Md. Abdul Bhote 1831 8148
Waliullah Malek mari 1,850,000 15,812
4 Md. 263 10073 2818 0.28
Ahammad Bhote
Hossain Akbar Ali mari 450,000 16,071
5 Md. Nur Bhote 997 10074 2819 1.18
Islam Afser Ali mari 1,900,000 16,102
6 Md. Nazrul Bhote
Islam Afser Ali mari
7 Md. Afzal Bhote 170 10071, 3629 1.04
Hossain Omor Ali mari 10072 1,650,000 15,865
8 Ms. Halima Bhote 263 10073 3630 0.35
Begum Hafez Ali mari 550,000 15,714
9 Late
Md. Abtab Bhote
Hamidul Hossain mari
10 Late
Md. Abtab Bhote
Humayan Hossain mari
11 Late
Ms. Aktera Abtab Bhote
Begum Hossain mari
12 Md. Azizul Abdul Bhote 170 10071, 3675 0.79
Islam Sheikh mari 10072 1,250,000 15,823
13 Nawarul Abdul Bhote
Islam Sheikh mari
14 Md. Late 1378 10078 3417 7.00
Golaffar Hasan Bhote 11,450,00 16,357
Hossain Sarkar mari 0
15 Md. Late
Mojaffar Hasan Bhote
Hossain Sarkar mari
16 Md. Late
Mojidul Hasan Bhote
Islam Sarkar mari
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SL Name Father/H Mouaz Khotian Plot No Dee Tota Total Rate
usband Name No d No l Compensa per
land tion dec.
sold
17 Md.
Ms. Ashna Mohasin Bhote
Begum Ali mari
18 Md. Md.
Ashedul Mohasin Bhote
Haque Ali mari
19 Md. Md.
Ashraful Mohasin Bhote
Islam Ali mari
20 Md. 1114 8146, 2878 0.49
Nuruzzama Kesu Bhote 8147 1,620,000 33,061
n Miah mari
21 Md. Nur Kesu Bhote
Alam Miah mari
22 Md. Abul Nur Bhote
Kalam Hossain mari
23 Md. Late 1043 8143 2890 0.01
Mominur Fazlul Bhote 60,000 60,000
Islam Haque mari
24 Late
Md. Motaj Fazlul Bhote
Hossain Haque mari
25 Md. Late
Aminur Fazlul Bhote
Rahman Haque mari
26 Md. 1179, 8136, 2896 0.40
Mojibor Late Bhote 687 8149 550,000 13,750
Rahman Sayed Ali mari
27 Md. Abdul Late Bhote
Mannan Sayed Ali mari
28 Md.
Monnaf Late Bhote
Hossain Sayed Ali mari
29 Md. Fazlu Late Bhote
Mia Sayed Ali mari
30 Md. Nazrul Late Bhote
Islam Sayed Ali mari
31 Md. Abul Keramat Bhote
Kalam Ali mari
32 961 10067, 3686 1.00
10068,
Md. Ronju Mojibor Bhote 10069,
Mia Rahman mari 10070 1,600,000 16,000
33 Md. 961 10067, 3897 1.2
Nazmul Alhaz 10068, 1,900,000 15,833
Haque Md. Bhote 10069,
Advocate Abdur mari 10070
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SL Name Father/H Mouaz Khotian Plot No Dee Tota Total Rate
usband Name No d No l Compensa per
land tion dec.
sold
Razzak
Mia
34 Md.
Abdul Bhote
Md. Bulu Sattar mari
35 Ms. 1344 10299 5416 3.64
Shahida Shanatull Bhote 5,750,000 15,797
Vanu ah mari
36 Ms. Late
Maksuda Moklesar Bhote
Aktari Rahman mari
37 Ms. Late
Masuda Moklesar Bhote
Aktari Rahman mari
38 Ms. Late
Mehetara Moklesar Bhote
Aktari Rahman mari
39 Md. Late
Sharifuzza Moklesar Bhote
man Rahman mari
40 Md. Late
Arifuzzama Moklesar Bhote
n Rahman mari
41 Md. 799 8144 2275 0.02
Md. Babul Moham Bhote
Hossain mad Ali mari 100,000 50,000
42 961 10067, 2642 0.65
10068,
Abdus Bhote 10069,
Md. Bulu Sattar mari 10070 1,020,000 15,692
43 961 10067, 2694 0.50
Late 10068, 1,250,000 15,823
Md. Manik Motiar Bhote 10069,
Mia Rahman mari 10070
44 Late 72 129, 0.29
Md. Hablu Motiar Kalikap 142
Mia Rahman ur
45 1369, 10211, 6657 0.54
Late 1138 10212,
Md. Babul Moham Bhote 10213,
Hossain mad Ali mari 10214 865,000 16,019
46 170, 10071, 422 4.99
263, 10073,
Md. 417, 10075,
Solayman Abdul Bhote 1490, 10076,
Hossain Wadud mari 1216 10077, 7,850,000 15,731
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SL Name Father/H Mouaz Khotian Plot No Dee Tota Total Rate
usband Name No d No l Compensa per
land tion dec.
sold
10081,
10083
47 Late 456 10117 1271 1.90
Md. Abdus Nadda Bhote 3,100,000 16,316
Sobahan Sheikh mari
48 Late
Md. Abdul Nadda Bhote
Majid Sheikh mari
49 Late
Md. Tosim Nadda Bhote
Uddin Sheikh mari
50 Late
Md. Abdul Nadda Bhote
Goni Sheikh mari
51 Md. Late
Moniruzza Nadda Bhote
man Sheikh mari
52 Late
Musa Nadda Bhote
Sheikh Sheikh mari
53 Md. 961 10067, 1583 0.81
Md. Dulal Abdus Bhote 10068, 2,300,000 28,395
Miah Sattar mari 10069,
54 Late 10070
Ms. Tohura Tundu Bhote
Begum Sheikh mari
55 961 10067, 1631 0.54
Md. 10068,
Md. Abul Moslem Bhote 10069,
Kalam Uddin mari 10070 900,000 16,667
56 Md. 961 10067, 1852 0.50
Md. Akram Sahabud Bhote 10068, 850,000 17,000
Ali din mari 10069,
57 Md. 10070
Md. Liton Sahabud Bhote
Mia din mari
58 Late 1810 8136 1951 0.15
Md. Omor Nirasa Bhote
Ali Sheikh mari 250,000 16,667
59 Late 687 8149 2059 0.15
Keramat
Md. Abul Ali/Kera Bhote
Kalam m Ali mari 250,000 16,667
60 Md. 53, 49 143, 5728 0.52
Jahedul Kalikap 100 780,000 15,000
Islam Omor Ali ur
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SL Name Father/H Mouaz Khotian Plot No Dee Tota Total Rate
usband Name No d No l Compensa per
land tion dec.
sold
61 Md.
Aminur Monsur Kalikap
Rahman Haque ur
62 Md. Nur Nosor Kalikap
Islam Uddin ur
63 Ms. Josna Solimudd Kalikap 91 141, 6610 1.03
Begum in ur 142 1,000,000 9,709
64 Late
Md. Zillur Nazrul Kalikap
Hirazi Islam ur
65 Md. Zillur Late
Rahman Nazrul Kalikap
Siddiki Islam ur
66 Md. Kamal Late Kalikap 91 141, 6639 0.87
Hossain Mozahar ur 142 1,300,000 14,943
67 Late
Md. Shomser Kalikap
Shajamal Ali ur
68 Late
Md. Abdus Shomser Kalikap
Salam Ali ur
69 Md. Md. 19 140 980 1.01
Amdadul Abdul Kalikap 1,500,000 14,851
Haque Gafur ur
70 Md.
Md. Nurul Kalikap
Momed Ali Haque ur
71 Md.
Md. Fazrul Abdul Kalikap
Karim Gafur ur
72 Md.
Md. Nazrul Abdul Kalikap
Haque Gafur ur
73 Md.
Mohamma Abdul Kalikap
d Ali Gafur ur
74 Md. Md.
Mominur Nurul Kalikap
Rahman Haque ur
75 Late 91 141, 2082 0.80
Md. Shomser Kalikap 142 1,250,000 15,625
Shajaman Ali ur
76 Ms. Dulali Kalikap
Begum Md. Israil ur
77 Late 91 141, 2083 0.82
Md. Lutfor Keramat Kalikap 142
Rahman Ali ur 1,250,000 15,244
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SL Name Father/H Mouaz Khotian Plot No Dee Tota Total Rate
usband Name No d No l Compensa per
land tion dec.
sold
78 Md. Karim Late Kalikap 91 141, 2170 0.82
Box Gofur ur 142 1,250,000 15,244
79 Late 19 100,13 3722 1.78
Md. Ayub Abdul Kalikap 3,136,1 5 2,677,500 15,000
Ali Mia Gofur ur 40
80 Late
Md. Abdul Kalikap
Badsha Ali Gofur ur
81 Md. Late 72 129, 2908 0.54
Jahedul Mokbul Kalikap 142 810,000 15,000
Islam Hossain ur
82 Late
Ms. Jinna Maham Kalikap
Khatun mad Ali ur
83 Sokiuddi 39 140 2910 1.48
n Orofe 2,220,000 15,000
Md. Ali Sofi Kalikap
Akbar Uddin ur
84 Sokiuddi
n Orofe
Md. Azizar Sofi Kalikap
Rahman Uddin ur
85 Sokiuddi
n Orofe
Sofi Kalikap
Anser Ali Uddin ur
86 Sokiuddi
n Orofe
Md. Azgor Sofi Kalikap
Ali Uddin ur
87 Late 72 142 5605 0.11
Motiar Kalikap 170,000 15,455
Manik Mia Rahman ur
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Annex-4: List of Government Land Owners
SL Name Mouza Name Total Affected Land
1 Md. Matin Member Kalikapur 3.00
2 Md. Zahurul Gong Kalikapur 1.00
3 Md. Nur Islam Kalikapur 0.50
4 Md. Abdul Mannan Kalikapur 5.00
5 Md. Anisur Kalikapur 1.00
6 Md. Joynanl Kalikapur 1.00
7 Md. Abdul Jalil Kalikapur 2.00
8 Md. Abdul Halim Kalikapur 2.00
9 Mukul Kalikapur
10 Md. Abu Taleb Kalikapur 1.00
11 Md. Hablu Kalikapur 5.00
12 Manik Kalikapur
13 Fazu Kalikapur
14 Md. Fazlul Haque Gong Kalikapur 3.00
15 Md. Tahubar Kalikapur 2.00
16 Md. Meser Ali Kalikapur 1.00
17 Md. Dulal Kalikapur 1.00
18 Md. Abdul Khalek Kalikapur 1.00
19 Anser Ali Kalikapur 2.00
20 Md. Nantu Kalikapur 2.00
21 Ahedul Bhotemari 2.00
22 Md. Bahadur Gong Bhotemari 11.00
23 Md. Abdul Khalek Bhotemari 0.20
24 Md. Shahidul Mollah Bhotemari 0.40
25 Md. Abdul Hamid Gong Bhotemari 1.30
26 Md. Abdus Sattar Bhotemari 1.00
27 Md. Khorshed Bhotemari 0.34
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Annex-5: Photographs and Map
Consultation meeting with ISPL Officials Consultation meeting with land owners
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Solar Plant Project Area
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Annex-6: Sample of Payment Voucher Compensation for Crops Value
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Annex-7: Consultation Participant List
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Annex-8: Individual landowners consent letter
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