Javadekar urged to stop synchronizing of KTPS

NAGPUR: The Vidarbha Environmental Action Group (VEAG) has urged Union environment minister Prakash Javadekar to direct Mahagenco's Koradi Thermal Power Station (KTPS) to stop synchronizing unit number 8 till environmental clearance conditions and National Green Tribunal (NGT) order is complied with.
The MoEF had granted clearance to 3x660 MW Koradi plant on January 4, 2010. VEAG alleged that environmental clearance was granted on the basis that the power plant is being established, 10km away from the city (zero mile).VEAG says the plant is already in the city limit now.
Against the MoEF decision, some organizations like Krishi Vigyan Arogya Sanstha, Hirwai, Vidarbha Nature & Human Science Centre and a few farmers of Koradi region moved NGT against the environmental clearance granted to expand Koradi power plant.
On September 20, 2011, the NGT had directed MoEF to study long-term impacts caused by nuclear radiation from the thermal power project with reference to the coal ash generated by the plant, particularly the cumulative effect of a number of thermal power projects in the area on human habitation and ecology. The NGT also asked to consider health profile of residents within the area in which pollutants are expected to spread from the power project.
The MoEF was further instructed to direct the proponent to synchronize the commissioning of the project with that of sewage waste water treatment plant, treated water from which is proposed to be used for the operation of the project.
"Unless there is such synchronization, no consent to operate shall be issued by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and the board shall monitor the mitigating measures suggested in the environmental clearance," the NGT ruled.
Convener of the VEAG Sudhir Paliwal said till date none of the above directions have been complied with. Paliwal said instead of treating sewage waste water, Mahagenco has constructed bund on notified Nag river and is planning to pump river water for its Koradi plant.
"Although Nag water is contaminated with sewage, it cannot be termed as sewage and utilizing such water for power generation is violation of NGT order," he added.
The construction of bund on notified Nag river will stop flow of river thereby depriving hundreds of farmers from irrigating their fields. The MPCB has already moved a proposal to denotify the first stretch of Nag river.
The MoEF had also directed Mahagenco to use washed coal only. Apart from the above, there are a number of shortcomings. "Therefore, under such circumstances MPCB should not have permitted Mahagenco to proceed with commissioning of new units," said Paliwal.
The VEAG has requested Javadekar, who was in the city on Sunday, to take immediate action against MPCB and Mahagenco for violation of MoEF and NGT directions.