Panel Registers Request for Inspection on the Proposed Bank Program Amaravati Integrated Urban Development Program in India
The Panel received a Request dated October 18, 2024 related to the proposed Bank-financed India: Amaravati Integrated Urban Development Program (P507508) (the “Program”). The Request was signed by four individuals, who asked the Panel to keep their identities confidential for fear of retaliation. The Panel indicated to the Requesters that Management had not had an opportunity to address their concerns, as required per the Panel procedures. On November 9, 2024, eight executive members of a farmers’ federation in the Amaravati Capital Region confirmed in writing their support for the Request. Following a meeting with Management, on November 12, 2024, the Requesters informed the Panel that in their view, Management did not respond adequately to address their concerns.
The Request states that the Program is linked to the Amaravati Sustainable Infrastructure and Institutional Development Project (P159808) (ASIIDP), a previous Bank project that was under preparation in 2017 until the Government of India withdrew its request for financing in July 2019. The Request notes that, at the time of Bank preparation, the ASIIDP was classified as Category A for environmental and social impacts. The Request raises concerns that, as the Program is being proposed for financing through a Program-for-Results financing instrument, the Bank will not take into account legacy issues claimed in the Request such as human rights violations, involuntary resettlement and the displacement of local communities. It alleges the “illegal” land pooling scheme used intimidation and coercion to get participants to sign up to the scheme. It further alleges the loss of livelihoods, food insecurity, and ongoing and future environmental and socio-economic harms. The Request claims that safeguard documents, such as a resettlement plan and social impact assessment, are required for the Program’s activities, and alleges lack of meaningful consultation and disclosure of information. It also raises concerns about the labor standards applied for construction workers and migrant workers.
The Panel’s registration implies no judgment whatsoever concerning the merits of the Request.
As mandated in the Inspection Panel process, the World Bank Management shall provide the Panel with a response to the issues raised in the Request for Inspection by January 24, 2025. After receiving Management’s response and engaging with the relevant stakeholders, the Panel shall make a recommendation to the Board of Executive Directors on whether the matter should be investigated.
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