Uncertainty dogs NTPC project

September 21, 2011 02:12 pm | Updated 02:12 pm IST - VISAKHAPATNAM:

Uncertainty dogs the mega power project proposed by power major NTPC at Pudimadaka in Visakhapatnam district.

There is no progress at all on the coal-fired power project, for which the draft power purchase agreement was signed in the presence of Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy in January. The project to generate 4000 MW with a minimum investment of Rs.24,000 crore also faces stiff resistance from the local fishermen who say if given green signal, it will deprive them of their right to fish in the sea. “We will not allow the project lock, stock, and barrel,” K. Appala Raju, district general secretary, AP Fishers and Fish Workers' Union, said.

Sources told The Hindu that there was no progress in the allotment of 2,000 acres, which was promised to NTPC at Pudimadaka. Originally, the land was allotted by the AP Industrial Infrastructure Corporation to HPCL for setting up a 15-million tonne Greenfield refinery and petroleum chemical complex. There are reports that HPCL is now trying to revive its effort by finding suitable partners to go ahead with the world-class refinery.

NTPC, which has Simhadri Super Thermal Power Plant at Parawada, is now in advance stage of expansion project. It is getting ready to commission the fourth unit of Stage-II to have a total production capacity of 2000 MW. Hinduja National Power Company has also taken up work on its 1000 MW thermal power plant near Simhadri at Palavalasa village in Pedagantyada mandal on a war-footing.

Strong protests

With strong protests all over the coastal areas against thermal power projects over pollution threat and the growing number of complaints on groundwater contamination due to ash-pond of Simhadri Super Thermal Power Project, there is also not much progress with regard to new projects with Hinduja being an exception.

The clearance given to NCC Power Project at Sompeta was revoked following police firing and strong objections. Lot of protests are also going on against the Bhavanapadu project. Forum for Better Visakha convener and former Union Power Secretary E.A.S. Sarma is of the opinion that permissions for thermal power projects should only be given after study of cumulative effect on the environment and the livelihood of people in the neighbourhood.

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