EAC defers green nod to Tata Power proposal on Trombay plant

Committee asks company to submit compliance report

The experts appraisal committee (EAC) of the ministry of environment and forests (MoEF) has deferred Tata Power's application for green note for converting a 500 -Mw oil-fired unit at its Trombay plant here to a coal-fired one.

The EAC, which met on May 20 & 21, has asked Tata Power to submit a compliance report. During the meeting, the EAC asked Tata Power to bring all material information in the public domain so that concerned citizens are informed of the reality.

The EAC's views are crucial as opponents of Tata Power's proposal have said the unit’s conversion would cause damage to the environment and create health hazards for Mumbaikars.

Tata Power has countered these objections, saying the modernisation would help use low sulphur, low ash, imported coal and would be achieved through addition of the latest state-of-the-art coal firing equipment and installation of pollution control equipments like 100 per cent Electro Static Precipitators and Flue Gas Desulfurisation systems to maintain emissions at current and controlled levels.

During the meeting, Tata Power revealed for the first time that an area of 0.7177 hectares, consisting of 520 mangrove plants, would be required to be cleared to help better cooling of sea water. The company told the EAC an application for the same has been made to the Maharashtra State Forest Department for diversion of the mangroves. Alternatively, a much larger mangrove plantation has been identified in consultation with the state forest department.

The EAC has directed Tata Power to identify degraded mangrove sites within a 10 km radius of the power station and regenerate the same. This is in addition to the alternative site identified for the mangrove plantation. The company has been asked to submit an action plan for carrying out such an activity. Tata Power informed the EAC an action plan had been prepared for a green belt around the coal berth, coal yard and open areas within Trombay.

An additional 1,445 species of shrubs and 395 species of creepers have been planted so far to reduce fugitive dust emissions.

The EAC noted the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board had forwarded 505 objections and 637 letters in support of the proposed modernisation of the Trombay unit. The EAC, however, observed the recommendation for conduct of a second public hearing may not be the right solution as there seems no indication to suggest the same outcome would not be repeated. Even if a second public hearing is conducted, the chances of disruption by the same elements seem inevitable and no purpose would seem to be solved.

“The minutes of the EAC meeting reflects the discussion that took place between MoEF and Tata Power officials. The company is studying the same and will take all necessary steps to address it,” a Tata Power spokesperson told Business Standard.

Debi Goenka, executive trustee, Conservation Action Trust demanded the company should make public all details with regard to the project development. “It is quite shocking for the EAC to observe there is no need for a second public hearing, especially when all political parties and several non governmental bodies have raised serious objections to the project,” he said.

Shiv Sena group leader in the state assembly, Subhash Desai, reiterated his party's demand about Tata Power not pursuing the proposed modernisation of the Trombay unit as it would cause hardships for Mumbaikars and impact the environment.