Ujani fishermen fear loss of catch, water as AI data centre, floating solar plan looms

Fishing families in Ujani reservoir fear losing their catch and water resources due to proposed floating solar power plants and AI data centres. Nandkumar Nagare, head of the Maharashtra Rajya Machhimar Sangharsh Kruti Samiti, explained that the fishing community relies on the reservoir, as many farmers lost land during Ujani dam construction.

Over 30,000 people in Pune, Solapur, and Ahilyanagar districts depend on fishing and related jobs. Nagare warned that any project affecting water storage could worsen scarcity, as Solapur residents now receive water only once every five days. Local resident Nitin Dole expressed concern over restricted fishing zones and reduced fish catches, as well as the impact on bird populations, particularly flamingos.

On October 31, protesters blocked a highway intersection, demanding the cancellation of the proposed projects, which include a 2,000 MW floating solar plant, an 1,800 MW battery energy storage system, and a 1.4 GW AI data centre. District administration claimed the project would bring investment, employment, and infrastructure improvements, with the solar plant covering 3,000 hectares of the reservoir, allowing fishing in remaining areas. Water consumption would be minimal, and no wastewater would be discharged.