The Kudgi power plant, the foundation stone for which is set to be laid on Saturday, has kicked up a controversy with environmentalists opposing the project on the grounds that it would adversely affect health of the people in the region, besides harming the ecology.
M P Patil, a retired scientist from the Department of Atomic Energy, has filed a petition before the National Green Tribunal seeking that the permission granted on January 25 this year by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) to the 2,400-MW power plant in the first phase should be withdrawn.
The scientist has accused the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) of giving false information that the 3,000 acres of land on which the thermal plant is coming up is barren, rocky terrain. However, the special land acquisition officer of KIADB has identified 1,600 acres of the total 3,000 acres as irrigated land and is disbursing compensation to the land owners accordingly. This debunks the claim over the type of land acquired for the project.
Patil told reporters here on Wednesday that the Tribunal had issued notices to the NTPC and the special land acquisition officer of KIADB following the petition. The Tribunal had heard the matter on April 25 and sought an explanation from the MoEF.
He said he had brought to the notice of the Tribunal the false claims made over the topography of land acquired for the power plant, during its May 18 hearing. Refusing to stay the permission granted by MoEF, the Tribunal has directed that NTPC and the special land acquisition officer of KIADB be made respondents in the case.
The scientist accused the NTPC of misleading the MoEF while getting the latter’s approval for the power plant.
The ill-effects of the project on the environment and the minutes of the public hearing held for the project had not been taken into account and this would help him in his fight against the Kudgi project, the scientist said. The next hearing of the Tribunal is scheduled for July 5. NTPC officials only said the Corporation being a Government of India undertaking, had got the MoEF clearance after following all necessary guidelines.