Orissa govt clears Rs 37,989cr steel, power projects

The Orissa government today cleared projects worth Rs 37,989 crore in the power and steel sector. This include 5 projects in the power sector with a combined investment of Rs 28,704 crore and aggregate generating capacity of 6120 Mw and one steel project envisaging an additional investment of about Rs 9285 crore.

The High Level Clearance Authority (HLCA) of the Orissa government headed by the chief minister Naveen Patnaik today cleared those projects which were earlier cleared by the State Level Single Window Clearance Authority (SLSWCA).

Talking to the media after the meeting Saurav Garg, industry secretary and Pradeep K Jena, secretary, energy department, Orissa government said, Ind-Barath Energy Utkal Limited (IBEUL) will set up 700 MW (2x350) thermal power plant at Sahajbahal near Banaharpali in Jharsuguda district at an investment of Rs 3,150 crore.

Out of the 550 acres of land required for the project, the company has already taken possession of 423 acres of land through negotiations with about 120 land losers. It has got the approval of the state government for setting up of 350 Mw power plant at an investment of Rs 1000 crore.

The HLCA in its meeting today approved the proposal of the company to raise the generating capacity to 700 Mw entailing an investment of Rs 1500 crore. It will source 28 cusecs of water from Mahanadi and the project will generate direct employment for 360 persons.

Similarly,Visaka Thermal Power Pvt. Ltd. will set up a 1100 Mw coal based power plant at Bhandaripokhari or Banto block in Bhadrakh district at an investment of Rs 4800 crore. The company will require 1200 acres of land for the project will source 36 cusecs of water from Baitarani.

The HLCA also approved the 1680 Mw thermal power project proposed by L &T Ltd. with an investment of Rs 10,200 crore near Dhamra in Bhadrakh district.

While the company will require about 1545 acres of land, the company will have to make use of the sea water for cooling. Besides, it will have to settle all the legal issues before signing the memorandum of understanding (MoU).

Another thermal power project proposed by Jindal Steel and Power Ltd (JSPL) also received the nod of the HLCA. The company will set up a 1320 Mw thermal power plant at Athamallik tehsil in Angul district with an investment of Rs 5940 crore. It will require 49 cusecs of water and 1625 acres of land for the project.

Besides, the proposal of the company to change the configuration of the steel plant in the same location was also approved by HLCA.