NTPC project hits a roadblock

The proposed Kudagi Thermal power plant, a 4,000 Mw ultra mega power project, planned to be set up by the National Thermal Power Corporation at Kudagi in Basavana Bagewadi taluk of Bijapur has hit a roadblock with farmers opposing the acquisition of land for the project.

The proposed function to lay the foundation stone for the project, scheduled for April 3, is likely to be postponed indefinitely following the protests by farmers. Chief minister B S Yeddyurappa and Union energy minister Sushilkumar Shindhe were here to lay the foundation stone for the 4,000 Mw thermal power plant on April 3. The state government is yet to acquire the land for the project and the decision to lay the foundation stone before acquiring the land had raised many eyebrows.

Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) has been entrusted with the task of acquiring 3,000 acres of land required for the project. It is proposed to acquire land in Kudagi, Masuti, Telagi and Golasangi villages and a notification has been issued for acquiring 1,950 acres under Section 28(1) of the KIADB Act. A committee headed by deputy commissioner has been set up to fix the price of land.

The NTPC has released Rs 26 crore to KIADB for acquisition of land. NTPC will invest Rs 20 crore for the project which will have three units of 800 Mw capacity each in the first phase. In the second phase two more units with 800 Mw capacity will come up.

The farmers are sour that they have not been consulted while deciding on setting up the power plant. While they say they are not opposed to the project they are unhappy that the government has not fixed the price of the land yet. They want Rs 15 lakh per acre as compensation.

Meanwhile, farmers pointed out that the state government had not obtained permission from the department of environment and forests for the project.

Deputy commissioner Shantaraj said the farmers were convinced of the importance of the project and they were assured that there would be no danger to the environment. Basavanabagewadi MLA S K Bellubbi said the government should first clear the doubts in the minds of the farmers before laying the foundation stone. “It should first fix the price for the land to be acquired and then go ahead,” he said.