The direction was given at a review meeting held under chairmanship of Chief Secretary B K Patnaik here. Though the project was mooted way back in 2006, it is yet to take off due to different reasons including relocation of the site.
While it was initially proposed to set up the power plant at Rengali in Sambalpur district, later it was shifted to Kamakshyanagar in Dhenkanal district. The project was shifted as the Ministry of Environment and Forest identified Kanhia coal block as "no-go" area, an official said.
Though a 2000 MW thermal power plant was proposed in joint venture between state owned Orissa Mining Corporation (OMC) and Odisha Hyddro Power Corporation (OHPC), later the capacity was raised to 2400 MW (3x800). The project could be expanded by adding another 800 MW capacity, they said.
The site covers non-irrigated land in 10 villages under Kamakhyanagar Tahasil. It has connectivity from NH-55. It is also linked with major ports at Paradeep and Dhamara.
The advantage of the location is that it is away from Dhenkanal town and river coast. The proposed plant with its water reservoir, water corridor, R & R colony, OTPCL colony and railway corridor will be set up over 1970 acre of land.
A railway corridor has been proposed to be developed through villages like Bhagirathipur Sashan, Mahupal, Bijadiha and Alujharana. Out of total required land, 988 acres are Govt land including 84 acres of forest land. More
