NTPC scraps Vidarbha project

The National Thermal Power Corporation Ltd (NTPC) has scrapped its plans for a 1,000 mw thermal power project at Mouda in Vidarbha. This would have been the first project of the central power utility in Maharashtra.

NTPC is planning a bigger pit head thermal power project with 4,000 mw capacity in Raigad district of Chhattisgarh. NTPC has conveyed to the state government in a letter sent that the land earmarked for the proposed project was fertile and hence against environmental norms of the country.

It also pointed out that it would be difficult to get environmental clearance for the project.

Earlier, former Union power minister, late P M Sayeed had blamed the state government for its uncooperative attitude towards the Mouda project. Anant Geete too had levelled similar charges.

Top NTPC officials maintained that the state government did not take any interest in the proposed project as it would have exposed the inefficiencies of power plants run by the Maharashtra State Electricity Board (MSEB).

The power utility has claimed that the economic feasibility of the pit head project at Chhattisgarh is far better than the Mouda project. The cost of production at the Raigad project will be 45 paise less than Mouda project. The Raigad project will also offer better economy as more energy would be generated.

According to Maharashtra Energy Minister Dilip Walse-Patil's letter to MLA Sudhir Mungantiwar, the state would have received only 30 per cent of electricity generated at Mouda. This would have come to 300 mw.

However, the proposed project in Chhattisgarh will be able to provide around 900 mw power to Maharashtra. NTPC feels that the Mouda project is not that beneficial for the state and has almost scrapped it.

Patil also stated that NTPC had no plans of setting up a power plant at Madheli (taluka Warora, district Chandrapur). It had asked for permission to mine coal in Tilma and Talaipalli coal-fields, the letter added.

The loss of the power project is also a big blow for the backward region of Vidarbha.

As NTPC would not only have put Mouda on the power map of the country but also ensure development of the Taluka place.

Sources had indicated that NTPC was keen to adopt a village close to Mouda and provide direct employment to at least 800 people. Schools, hospitals, road and rail infrastructure was to be generally provided at such places by the power utility.