TPC Closer To 1,000-mw Coal-Based Power Project In Maharashtra

Font Size

Print

Feedback

Email

Discuss

Mumbai, Aug 2: Tata Power Company (TPC) has crossed a major hurdle with the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) not raising any major objections to its proposed 1,000 mw coal-based project in the coastal Raigad district.

MPCB, which has recently received report on the public hearing for TPC’s project, however, asked TPC to take into account “grave concern” expressed by the locals. MPCB also directed TPC to study socio economic and environmental impact of other thermal power units and rectify probable difficulties.

Similarly, the state-run Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) has called upon the TPC to inform the locals about various supplementary industries that would be created by the proposed thermal power plant. MIDC is currently studying the situation of the anticipated ancillary industries.

MIDC also suggested that a local coordination committee comprising TPC should be set up to sort out various issues pertaining to the project.

MPCB sources told FE that it has already forwarded the public hearing report to the Union ministry of environment and forest (MoEF) for grant of the environment clearance for the TPC project. They said that the ball now lies in the court of the MoEF and only after grant of the economic clearance would MPCB be able to grant consent to establish and consent to operate to TPC.

TPC sources said, “The company awaits MoEF approval. The project is moving with fast pace to commence construction.”

TPC proposes to complete the 1,000 mw project in two phases with an investment of around Rs 4,000 crore. The company has already acquired about 300 hectares from the state-run Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation. TPC plans to supply power to Mumbai and Pune.

TPC, during public hearing, submitted that the data levels of air pollution after commissioning of the project are way below the permissible levels and the air pollution would not affect the crop in the area.

About disposal of the ash from the proposed thermal plant, TPC said that it was currently in talks with the Delhi-based company for setting up of facility to manufacture pre cast concrete blocks. The company is also negotiating with cement companies for use of ash as a raw material.

TPC was responding to concerns expressed by Hirwal (local environment group) and other participants on disposal of ash. One of the villagers from Vile, where the project is to come up, wanted to know whether or not the smoke generated from the thermal station would affect the local area.