Mega power project hits roadblock, new EIA sought

Both projects were vehemently opposed by the fisherfolk on grounds that they were infringing upon traditional fishing grounds at sea and in rivers, coastal commons used for fishing and erasure of traditional rights over the coast. The Kattupalli port envisaged the reclamation of about 2,000 acres of the Bay of Bengal and Cheyyur Port had plans to flatten coastal sand dunes to make coal handling facilities.

Cheyyur Port has been asked to start a new environment clearance process, with new applications for the environmental and coastal regulation zone clearance as it is interlinked with the 4,000 MW UMPP project.

According to the minutes of the 39th meeting of EAC (Infrastructure 2), since both the projects including setting up of 4,000 MW imported coal-based UMPP and establishment of the captive jetty for the proposed UMPP are interlinked, the project proponent should apply afresh to carry out the process of obtaining EC and CRZ. With the coal to be handled by the captive port for the proposed UMPP changing from imported to domestic coal, the annual quantum of coal may increase from 10-12 metric ton (imported coal) to 18-20 MT (domestic coal).

Citing the deliberation in the EAC (Thermal), the meeting report noted that the environmental impacts from the domestic coal for a large size power project will also change significantly. Hence, it directed the project proponent to apply afresh for the EC and the CRZ.

The EAC sub-committee comprises ex-chairman of Karnataka Pollution Control Board, HC Sharat Chandra and MV Ramanamurthy, Scientist G at National Institute of Ocean Technology.