MoEF to reconsider decision on projects in 'no-go' area

Mega power projects in Chhatisgarh, that had hit the green hurdles, are likely to see the light of the day as the ministry of environment and forests (MoEF) will reconsider its decision on the 'no-go' area where the projects are are to come up.

“A team of MoEF headed by additional director general (forests) AK Bansal is arriving here on May 17 to visit Hasdeo Arand area where a number of projects have come under the scanner after it has been declared no-go (area),” a senior state government official told Business Standard.

The Hasdeo Arand area has been declared as no-go area by the MoEF. This has resulted in stranding two major power projects. Besides, Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Ltd’s (IFFCO), an ultra mega power project (UMPP) will come up in area that stretches in the northern part of mineral-rich Chhattisgarh.

 

According to officials, site of proposed 1320 Mw coal-based power plant of IFFCO falls in the no-go area while the two coal blocks that would cater the raw material requirement of 4000 Mw UMPP came under the restricted pocket. Even the Tara coal block from where IFFCO plant would get raw material comes under the no-go area.

About six independent power producers (IPPs) that had planned to invest in the state have been affected, as the coal blocks allotted, fall in Hasdeo Arand. The major IPPs include AEC, Adani Power, MPDC, GMDC and others.

“As most of the projects were stranded, chief minister Raman Singh took up the matter with the Prime Minister and urged to reconsider the decision to declare Hasdeo Arand as no-go area,” the state official said. It was only after the intervention from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the MOEF decided to inspect the site again.

The official said the MoEF team will visit the area and examine possibilities of coal exploration in the area.

The team would submit its report to the ministry for reconsidering decision and for allowing mining and implementation of projects in Hasdeo Arand.