Tata Power plans to install biogas units to provide cooking support to 40 villages surrounding its Mundra Ulta Mega Power Project (UMPP), under the initiative 'Project Annapurna' that will be implemented by Tata Power's wholly owned subsidiary Coastal Gujarat Power Limited (CGPL). CGPL, which is developing 4000 megawatt (Mw) Mundra UMPP aims to create awareness about clean energy among the locals.
It is interesting to note here that the International Finance Corporation (IFC) has decided to audit IFC's investments made in the project in the wake of claims that the Tata Mundra UMPP has had adverse impact on the local fishing community in Kutch district.
The Machimar Adhikar Sangharsh Sangathan (MASS) – association for the struggle for fishworkers‘ rights, had raised concerns over the adverse social and environmental impact on them alleging that when seen in the context of widespread industrial development along the Mundra coast, the project ultimately threatens to displace their activities entirely, thus fundamentally threatening their livelihood.
Tata Power today said in a release that the Project Annapurna is in line with the company's commitment towards Green and Clean environment.
Six Bio Gas units were installed to provide cooking support to 40 people in association with Gujarat Agro Industries Corporation Limited. The company has also approached Gujarat Livelihood Promotion Society to create awareness about the usage and advantages of bio gas.
K K Sharma, chief, Mundra project said, "Through this initiative, the company intends to increase promotion of biogas utilisation, which will benefit the local community to a great extent and also protect them from chronic diseases arising out of burning wood and coal. Going forward, we plan to take ‘Project Annapurna’ to surrounding villages."
Earlier in September, CGPL had launched the ‘Sagarbandhu’ project in partnership with the Aga Khan Rural Support Program-India, to increase the livelihood opportunities of the coastal community, especially fishermen.
