Green tribunal shows red signal to 2 power projects

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has refused to give a go-ahead signal to two of the major thermal power projects in Tamil Nadu, which could generate up to 4,800 Mw. The projects have been developed by IL&FS Tamil Nadu Power Co Limited and Chettinad Power Corporation.

In both the cases, the Tribunal has asked the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) and other authorities to conduct a cumulative impact assessment of the project in the region and to go through certain procedures prior to extending a further nod.

In one case, the acting chairperson justice AS Naidu of the NGT, has refused to stay the earlier order suspending the environment clearance (EC) granted to IL&FS Tamil Nadu Power Co Limited for its 3,600-Mw thermal power plant in the state’s Cuddalore district.

 

In the earlier order, which was passed on May 23, the Tribunal suspended the project till the time the EC is reviewed by the authorities and the ministry and the updated environmental impact assessment (EIA) report to be heard by the parties who filed the complaint, before a decision is taken by the MoEF.

However, the May 23 order did not quash the EC granted by MoEF, stating that “we are convinced that EC to the proposed project was granted by and large in consonance with the EIA process as required under the EIA notification, 2006. We do not feel any necessity to quash the EC granted by MoEF.”

The tribunal also directed the ministry to review its decision based on a cumulative impact assessment study and stipulate additional environmental conditions, if required.

IL&FS had sought a stay on the Tribunal’s May 23 order contending that preparatory civil works such as construction of storm water drainage and levelling of the site must be completed before the onset of monsoon in mid September 2012.

The tribunal rejected its plea saying a rapid cumulative impact assessment study can be completed before the onset of monsoon. “The civil works referred to by IL&FS may not take very long to complete if planned and executed properly,” it said in the order dated May 30, 2012.

However, it can proceed with the plantation of mangroves and development of green belt as proposed in the work plan. A mail sent to an IL&FS Tamil Nadu Power Company official remained unanswered till the time the story was filed.

Meanwhile, the tribunal suspended the EC issued to the 2X600-Mw thermal power project of Chettinadu Power Corporation in Nagapattinam district.

The Tribunal asked the expert appraisal committee, the ministry and the Government of India (GoI) to commission a cumulative impact assessment study of all the proposed thermal power projects in the area within a period of one year from the date to the judgment and impose additional conditions as may be necessary as a precautionary measure in the establishments of the project.

The 1,200-Mw power project of Chettinadu Power Corporation, which is expected to come up with an investment of around Rs 7,000 crore, was expected to be commissioned by the end of 2014 or in 2015. The order and the further proceedings, are expected to delay the project for a few months, said company sources.