As per the proposal, TANGEDCO will install the coal-based power plant with super critical technology at Uppur, Valamavoor and Thiruppalaikudi villages in the Ramanathanpuram district. The proposed project requires 6.64 million tonnes per annum of coal to be imported and supplied by state-owned MMTC either from Indonesia or other country.
"The Environment Ministry has given environmental clearance (EC) to the proposed power project of TANGEDCO and also the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance for foreshore facilities (cooling water intake and outfall structures) subject to compliance of specific and general conditions," a senior government official said.
The total project area is estimated to be 1,013 acres, which includes ash pond and green belt. On obtaining EC, land acquisition process will be initiated. The project cost is estimated to be RS 12,664.76 crore, the official said.
Among conditions specified, the company has been asked to ensure sulphur and ash contents of coal do not exceed 0.8 per cent and 10 per cent, respectively.
TANGEDCO has been asked to identify marginalised sections of society, particularly traditional fishermen communities based on 2011 population census data and conduct a socio-economic study to assess the impact of the project on their livelihood.
That apart, it has been asked to monitor flow of fresh water into the creek to study the impact on water availability for the mangroves and explore commercial utilisation of brine instead of discharging into sea.
The company has been informed that the employment figures presented for the project seem extremely low and hence, it should relook at it.
Among others, the company has been asked to set up a state-of-the art environmental lab at the project site for long-term monitoring of sea water quality and sediment in the impacted zone.