Forest dept probes rule violation charges against Ind Bharat

Firm's second unit, which is scheduled to be constructed on 430 acre land, includes 46 acres of village forest area

The state forest and environment department has sought detail report on alleged construction activities in forest land by Ind Bharat Energy Utkal Ltd, which is engaged in setting up of a power plant in Jharsuguda district.

“Details of illegal construction of boiler, turbine and chimney have taken place on forest land of 2x350 Mw thermal power plant of project proponent as alleged, has not been indicated in your report. This may be specifically reported,” said D Biswal, additional secretary of the Forest and Environment department to Jharsuguda Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) in a letter.

“It may also be indicated whether project activities on non-forest land is going on without forest clearance,” the letter further stated.

The company is in the process of commissioning its first unit having 350 Mw capacity, built on 546 acre land.

Its second unit, which is scheduled to be constructed on 430 acre land, includes 46 acre of village forest area.

Ind Bharat denied any construction activities going on in forest areas for its second unit.

“We are awaiting forest department nod for expansion of our project. The construction has not started yet. These are baseless allegations,” said Murlidhar Mishra, president (communication and administration) of the company.

However, the state government directed the local forest officials to act against the company in case of any violation.

“Full details of violations along with area, land schedule may be furnished so as to inform the MoEF (Union Ministry of Environment and Forest) to keep the Environment Clearance in abeyance.

Ind Bharata Energy Utkal may be directed to vacate the forest land occupied unauthorisedly by them,” the additional secretary said.

The department has also decided to initiate proceedings against the forest guards and forester for not reporting the unauthorised encroachment by the company. The Jharsuguda DFO must take steps to take action against them by January 5, the letter said.

Ind Bharata Energy, an independent power producer (IPP), has commuted to provide 84 Mw energy to Gridco at a subsidised rate once its first unit is commissioned in 2014.

The company currently has coal supply to cater to its first unit of 350 Mw and is awaiting fuel supply assurance for its second unit.

As of now, two IPPs--Sterlite Energy Limited and GMR Kamalanga have started commercial operation in the state, out of 29 developers, who have signed agreements with Odisha government for establishment of thermal power projects.