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Proposed NTPC plant faces road blocks
Due to abnormal delay in executing the project, the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) has almost withdrawn their staff and officers from the site office of the 4,000 MW Thermal Power Plant in the district.
Visakhapatnam: Due to abnormal delay in executing the project, the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) has almost withdrawn their staff and officers from the site office of the 4,000 MW Thermal Power Plant in the district.
The unit head Group General Manager was also shifted from the project. Presently, the site office was shut down and rest of three officers were also allocated to its existing 2,000 MW Simhadri Super Thermal Power Plant, Paravada. The NTPC officials are saying that the project is now in doldrums.
With the BJP led NDA government’s new energy policy and a strong decision not to import coal from the foreign countries, doubts are created about the establishment of the 4,000 MW plant. The NTPC planned new thermal power plant in Andhra Pradesh to meet the good demand.
The State government also allocated lands at Lalamkoderu and Pudimadaka villages of Atchutapuram mandal. The project was designed to make use imported coal as fuel.
The NPTC had paid Rs 700 crore for 1,300 acres of land spread in Lalamkoderu and Pudimadaka villages and took over the land. It also set up an exclusive office in a fabricated capsule at the site and appointed an exclusive Group General Manager and other 16 officials and staff. The NPTC also requested the State government to provide another 700 acres of land additionally for the project.
However, with the directions of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Centre has announced that there would not be coal imports from any country for thermal power projects. Now, the NTPC has second thoughts to establish the 4,000 MW power plant at Pudimadaka. `` Tenders have been called for main machinery and equipment. But, there is no further progress. If, we use the domestic coal as fuel, the designs have to be changed.
According to the preliminary reports from the government, coal has to be supplied from Raniganj Coalfield, West Bengal. But, the existing railway lines are very long to the power project site. The corporation has to construct an exclusive railway track from Yelamanchili railway station to the site office for which again land acquisition has to be taken up. Finally, the fuel (coal) costs will be increased and it is not viable,” a senior official of NTPC corporate office said.
As the site close to the Bay of Bengal, the NTPC is requesting the government for permission to construct a minor port or at least a captive berth to import coal through shipment from Ranigunj. However, the Indian Navy is objecting to construct any berth or minor port close to its Naval Base ‘Varhsa’ being constructed at Rambilli. The Indian navy constructing another Naval Base to attend the future challenges.
``We cannot say anything at present. If we wish to reconsider the project with domestic coal as fuel, it will take more time. Meanwhile, the project cost would be increased to Rs 29,000 crore from the earlier cost of Rs 26,000 crore,’ the senior officer added.
By Vkl Gayatri
