Centre to consider 1,980 Mw Ghatampur project in Kanpur soon

The government will soon consider a proposal for setting up 1,980 Mw Ghatampur thermal power project, which has been hanging fire for over three years, entailing investment of Rs 16,029.32 crore in Kanpur district of Uttar Pradesh.

"The proposal for the 1,980 Mw Ghatampur project will soon be sent to Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approval. It was discussed in the recent meeting of the Public Investment Board," a source said.

"The board had approved the project earlier in 2013 subject to environment clearance. Since the clearance was received after lapse of six months of board's approval, it would be vet by the panel again."

The source further said, "The board's approval is valid for six months only. During the six months period, CCEA approval should have been sought after receiving environment clearance. Now after board's fresh approval, it would be sent for the CCEA nod."

According to the latest estimates, the project will cost Rs 16,029.32 crore, up from initial projection of Rs 14,375 crore.

The project to be implemented by Neyveli Uttar Pradesh Power Ltd (NUPPL) is a joint venture between Neyveli Lignite Corp (NLC) and Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd (UPRVUNL). The equity sharing between NLC and UPRVUNL will 51:49 per cent respectively.

The joint venture agreement was signed on October 6, 2012, and the joint venture company NUPPL was registered on November 9, 2012.

The Ministry of Environment has accorded green clearance to the project based on use of imported coal for the project till Pachwara south coal block attains the rated coal production.

NUPPL has taken into possession of the entire land of 828 hectares required for the project and Government of India sanction for the project is awaited, the company has stated on its portal.