Political parties hijacked the public hearing organised by Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) on Tata Power's proposal for conversion of its 500 MW unit to coal from gas at its Trombay plant in north east Mumbai. The conversion entails investment of Rs 1,174 crore. Practically all political parties opposed it citing rise in pollution and diseases like cancer and asthama. Former Congress minister and currently the party legislator from Chembur constituency Chandrakant Handore warned that Chembur will be closed if the company's proposal is cleared and announced that he would lead a delegation against the Congress led government.
However, Tata Power in its release said "This is to simply reiterate the fact that the protesters at the hearing were targeting their dismay at the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and not solely on Tata Power."
MPCB official told Business Standard "Despite repeated pleas the participants at Tuesday's public hearing were not in a mood to allow others to make their presentations. There won't be another public hearing in future. We will submit out report to the ministry of environment and forests which will take a final call on giving environment clearance."
Handore reiterated his opposition to the proposed conversion. On the other hand, the saffron Shiv Sena took a strong objection to the proposed conversion of unit 6 of the Trombay plant to coal especially when globally alternate sources of power are explored. Sena's former legislator Raja Chaugule, who was quite vocal during his argument, alleged that the public hearing was stage managed and added that his party would oppose proposed conversion.
The ruling Nationalist Congress Party represented by former legislator Ravindra Pawar also echoed concerns raised by Handore and Chaugule. He claimed that the proposed conversion of unit 6 to coal would have adverse impact on marine life. Moreover, BJP members shouted slogans.
Political party leaders were engaged in one man ship to drive home their point against the project while it was a tough time for the deputy collector Shivaji Patil to maintain order.
Amidst such situation Tata Power officials made in vain to make a detailed presentation. However, those gathered at the public hearing were not in a mood to listen following which the helpless officials turned observers. Leading environmentalist Debi Goenka was also not able to make his presentation. Ultimately, Patil wound up the public hearing amidst pandamonium.
However, Tata Power said "Tata Power is committed to the process of transparent public consultation. The Company would like to once again reassure all its stakeholders that their concerns raised around pollution and ash disposal have been addressed effectively and there will be no additional emissions beyond controlled levels. The proposed modernization will help in providing cheaper, reliable and uninterrupted power supply to Mumbai customers. We would like to reiterate that Tata Power continues to remain committed to serving the Citizens of Mumbai.”
Moreover, the company claimed that the modernisation will help use low sulphur, low ash, imported coal and will be achieved through addition of the latest state-of-the-art coal firing equipment & installation of pollution control equipments like 100% Electro Static Precipitators (ESPs) and Flue Gas Desulfurisation (FGD) systems to maintain emissions at current & controlled level. Thus, this modernization will not result in any additional pollution/emission in Chembur and neighboring areas. Moreover, no additional water or any other resource is being sought to operate the modernized plant.