Tata's Trombay thermal plant conversion gets conditional nod

Shiv Sena threatens to explore legal course of action against nod

The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) attached to the Union ministry of environment and forests (MOEF) has accorded conditional environment clearance to Tata Power for converting the latter’s 500-Mw Trombay power plant to operate on coal, in place of low sulphur fuel and heavy stock.

A company spokesman said “Tata Power will await Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) clearance for Trombay Unit 6’s proposed modernisation plan and thereafter next level decision will be taken. The importance of modernisation needs to be viewed from the point of view of larger interest of ensuring reliable and affordable supply of electricity to the consumer. We would like to reiterate that Tata Power continues to remain committed to serving the citizens of Mumbai.”

EAC gave its nod on November 18, subject to 15 conditions. The project proposal was for an investment of Rs 1,174 crore. There has been protest by non-government bodies and some political parties are opposed to the plan.

The Shiv Sena, for instance, said it would re-launch an agitation against the project. Subhash Desai, its leader in the state legislative assembly, told Business Standard: “The party will soon explore a legal course of action against EAC’s approval. We will continue to oppose the project, as it will further damage Mumbai's environment.”

Debi Goenka, representing the Conservation Action Trust, said the EAC had heard only the project proponents and this was totally unacceptable.

Among the 15 conditions,  the company will have to install a flue-gas desulfurisation plant, provide a stack of 275 metre height, with continuous online monitoring equipment, harness solar power within the plant premises, carry out a long-term study for radioactivity and heavy metal in coal and fly ash through the Central Power Research Institute, Bangalore,  Mangalore University and the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research, Hyderabad.

Tata Power will have to allocate a one-time investment of Rs 5 crore for corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities during the construction phase. Recurring expenditure for CSR thereafter will be Rs 1 crore annually tll the life of the plant. The company will have to conduct a social audit by a reputed university or an institute and this is to be given to the MoEF.

GO-AHEAD

• Tata Power can now make the 500-Mw Trombay plant operate on coal, in place of low sulphur fuel and heavy stock
• The project has faced opposition by non-government bodies and some political parties