EAC concerns may delay launch of NTPC project

Doubts expressed by the Expert Appraisal Committee of the Ministry of Environment and Forests over coal linkage and evacuation of raw material for the NTPC Pudimadaka Ultra Mega Power Plant is likely to hit the launching of work on the project envisaged at a cost of Rs.26,828 crore for some more time.

The EAC, at its recent meeting, stated that the environment impact assessment study conducted by a Hyderabad-based lab did not contain any satisfactory information on coal supply and the transportation of raw material from abroad.

NTPC, which has 2,000 MW power plant at Parawada, was keen on launching work at Pudimadaka after obtaining environment clearance from the MoEF based on the public hearing held on August 12.

Before clearing the terms of reference for the public hearing, the EAC had also raised objections over layout plan, saying that some wetlands existed in the 1,200 acres allotted to the project proponent by the APIIC.

A senior official of the NTPC said though the EAC sought some clarifications on coal supply for the project, they would furnish the required information next month and get its nod shortly.

The NTPC has decided to source coal from abroad for the Pudimadaka project. According to an estimation, it needs 13.7 million tonne coal. The plant’s seawater requirement is 6.7 lakh cubic metres per hour. It will have four units of 1,000 MW.

The company says it will have gas insulated switch yard (GIS) to occupy 50 per cent space compared to conventional switch yards.

Officials say ash generation will be cut by 81 per cent. A slurry pipeline is mooted for ash disposal.

NTPC is the largest power producer in India.

The company, set up in 1975, generates 45,548 MW, accounting for 17.73 per cent of energy capacity.

Stating that the project would affect the livelihood of fishermen living in the vicinity and cause groundwater contamination due to generation of huge quantity of ash, CPI (M) district secretary K. Loknadham urged the management to reconsider the establishment of the power plant.