Jharkhand's loss may be Bengal's gain

The proposed second-phase of Koderma Super Thermal Power Plant of Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) with an installed capacity of 600 MW each of the two units is likely to be shifted from Koderma in Jharkhand to Raghunathpur in West Bengal because the Jharkhand government will not able to provide the required water to the proposed two units.

The Koderma Super Thermal Plant had been sanctioned by the Union Power Ministry for commissioning it in the 12th Five Year Plan. The plant was to be set up in collaboration with BHEL.

During a recent meeting with the Jharkhand Deputy Chief Minister (in charge of energy portfolio) Raghubar Das, the DVC Chairman Subrata Biswas highlighted the problem of water scarcity at Koderma and indicated the shifting of the power plant to Raghunathpur.

Sources said DVC had assigned the NTPC to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) for the Raghunathpur site for the proposed power plant.

However, in order to retain the DVC power plant in Koderma, the Energy Minister has asked the water resources department to explore the possibility of an appropriate source of water. Several prospective investors in power sector who had signed MoUs with the Jharkhand government during last several years attended the first review meeting called by the Energy Minister Raghubar Das at the state capital on February 2.

Representatives from the power companies, Tata Power, Naveen Jindal-owned power company, Essar Power, Adhunik Group, Kolkata-based CESC Limited highlighted their grievances to the minister in getting land from the state government for their proposed power plants despite depositing substantial amount to the government towards the cost of the land.