Chhattisgarh approaches SC against Polavaram dam
31 August 2011
press trust of india
NEW DELHI, 31 AUG: Chhattisgarh government has filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking its directions to restrain Andhra Pradesh from continuing construction of a dam on the river Godavari at Polavaram, saying the clearances given to the project are illegal and the project threatens the environment and tribals of the state.
Chhattisgarh is the second state after Orissa to move the apex court against the Polavaram project by AP government.
“The project will threaten valuable ecology and wildlife. The project will bring misery to thousands of tribals by submerging more than 300 villages in Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Orissa,” Chhattisgarh government said.
The state contended around 2015.52 hectares of land falling in South Bastar, Dantewada in Chhattisgarh will be submerged by the dam and the environment clearances have been granted to the project without conducting public hearings in the area.
“Chhattisgarh is a tribal state. A very large population of tribals will be displaced due to submersion of areas. The area is a notified area under Schedule-V of the Constitution and therefore the permission of Gram Sabha is required under the PESA (Panchayat Extension to the Scheduled Areas Act),” the petition filed through advocate Mr Atul Jha said.
“In this regard, it may be noted that the ministry of tribal affairs, in its order dated 17 April, 2007, granting clearance to the Polavaram Project has noted that there had not been any consultation with the Gram Sabhas in the affected areas in the states of Chattisgarh and Orissa,” it added.
Chhattisgarh has sought “removal of all structures related to the Polavaram project”.
It pleaded the environment clearance, forest clearance, resettlement and rehabilitation clearance and Central Water Commission's clearance granted to the project should be declared illegal and null and void.
“The project proposals were suitable in the times when it was conceived (in 1978). But over the years, many changes have taken place in the society and its priorities. The proposed displacement of such a huge population and settlement is likely to cause degradation in their lives,” it said.
In its petition, Chhattisgarh questioned the legality of the Polavaram project saying its construction is in “blatant violation” of laws as well as the 1978 and 1980 agreements between Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh and the final award of 7July, 1980, passed by the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal.
“CWC (Central Water Commission) and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs have shown complete disregard to the Godavari Water Dispute Tribunal (GWDT) Award, 1980, and to illegally facilitate the construction of Polavaram dam at the cost of state of Chhattisgarh,” it said. “The Ministry of Tribal Affairs gave clearance on such a project formulation which are not part of GWDT Award. Therefore, the order dated April 17, 2007 (granting clearance) issued by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs is erroneous and needs to be cancelled,” it added.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Polavaram Politics
After Orissa now Chhatisgarh filed a petition in SC over Polavaram damhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Report by OrissaDiary.com correspondent; Bhubaneswar: Chhattisgarh government has filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking its directions to restrain Andhra Pradesh from continuing construction of a Polavaram dam on river Godavari. In a petition filed before the Apex Court Chhatisgarh Govt. has said, the clearances given to the project are illegal and the project threatens the environment and tribals of the state.
Chhattisgarh is the second state after Orissa to move the apex court against the Polavaram.
"The project will threaten valuable ecology and wildlife. The project will bring misery to thousands of tribals by submerging more than 300 villages in Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Orissa," Chhattisgarh government said.
Orissa is already filing a legal battle over Polavarm project. The Apex Court had already constituted M. GopalKJrishnan Committee to look into the matter. The Committee had submitted its report to the Supreme Court.
Chahtisgarh Govt. claimed that, around 2015.52 hectares of land falling in South Bastar, Dantewada in Chhattisgarh will be submerged by the dam and the environment clearances have been granted to the project without conducting public hearings in the area.
Report by OrissaDiary.com correspondent; Bhubaneswar: Chhattisgarh government has filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking its directions to restrain Andhra Pradesh from continuing construction of a Polavaram dam on river Godavari. In a petition filed before the Apex Court Chhatisgarh Govt. has said, the clearances given to the project are illegal and the project threatens the environment and tribals of the state.
Chhattisgarh is the second state after Orissa to move the apex court against the Polavaram.
"The project will threaten valuable ecology and wildlife. The project will bring misery to thousands of tribals by submerging more than 300 villages in Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Orissa," Chhattisgarh government said.
Orissa is already filing a legal battle over Polavarm project. The Apex Court had already constituted M. GopalKJrishnan Committee to look into the matter. The Committee had submitted its report to the Supreme Court.
Chahtisgarh Govt. claimed that, around 2015.52 hectares of land falling in South Bastar, Dantewada in Chhattisgarh will be submerged by the dam and the environment clearances have been granted to the project without conducting public hearings in the area.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Sindol Imbrogilo
Protests against Orissa hydro-power projects intensify
Bhubaneswar, Aug 24 (IANS) Protests against three hydro power plants Orissa plans across river Mahanadi intensified with thousands of people Wednesday staging a massive demonstration at district headquarters town of Sambalpur, an organiser of the protesters said.
Carrying posters and banners and shouting slogans against the state government, people from all walks of life including hundreds of women and children took out a procession, conducted a public hearing of their own and rejected the government plan.
The people who came from three districts of Sambalpur, Boudh and Subarnapur also vowed to fight if the government pushes the projects forcibly.
Orissa state-run Hydro Power Corporation last month signed a pact with NHPC Ltd to set up the hydropower plants in a joint venture across river Mahanadi, in the three districts. The plants would be built in five years’ time with a combined investment of Rs.2,600 crore to generate 320 MW power.
State Energy Minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak said the projects would be set up only after the consent of the local people.
However, those opposed said the projects will not only cause large scale displacements but also apprehended the reservoirs were planned to centralise storage of river water for supply to upcoming industries in the region.
‘The government has not disclosed the plans in detail. It is pushing the projects without making a comprehensive analysis of state’s water and energy scenario’, Ranjan Panda, convenor of Water Initiatives Orissa – a network of NGOs fighting on water related issues, told IANS.
Bhubaneswar, Aug 24 (IANS) Protests against three hydro power plants Orissa plans across river Mahanadi intensified with thousands of people Wednesday staging a massive demonstration at district headquarters town of Sambalpur, an organiser of the protesters said.
Carrying posters and banners and shouting slogans against the state government, people from all walks of life including hundreds of women and children took out a procession, conducted a public hearing of their own and rejected the government plan.
The people who came from three districts of Sambalpur, Boudh and Subarnapur also vowed to fight if the government pushes the projects forcibly.
Orissa state-run Hydro Power Corporation last month signed a pact with NHPC Ltd to set up the hydropower plants in a joint venture across river Mahanadi, in the three districts. The plants would be built in five years’ time with a combined investment of Rs.2,600 crore to generate 320 MW power.
State Energy Minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak said the projects would be set up only after the consent of the local people.
However, those opposed said the projects will not only cause large scale displacements but also apprehended the reservoirs were planned to centralise storage of river water for supply to upcoming industries in the region.
‘The government has not disclosed the plans in detail. It is pushing the projects without making a comprehensive analysis of state’s water and energy scenario’, Ranjan Panda, convenor of Water Initiatives Orissa – a network of NGOs fighting on water related issues, told IANS.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Sindol
Sindol on BJP’s mind
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BHUBANESWAR: The BJP on Tuesday decided to oppose the Sindol hydro-electricity projects in the Monsoon Session of the Assembly commencing from Wednesday.
While the proposed projects are facing stiff opposition from people of four districts of Boudh, Sonepur, Sambalpur and Bargarh, the BJP Legislature Party slammed the Government for not taking the people and the Council of Ministers into confidence before announcing the projects.
“The Government should have taken up the approval of State Cabinet before signing an agreement with the National Hydro Power Corporation and the Orissa Hydro Power Corporation,” said Deputy Leader of the party in the Assembly Jayanarayan Mishra.
Facing Opposition from within the BJD, the Government will have a tough time to explain to the Opposition and ruling benches as well on the hurried manner in which the MoU was signed, he said.
With drought looming large in several districts due to erratic monsoon, the BJPLP slammed the Government for not having any contingency plan for the affected farmers.
The BJP will press for waiver of farm loan and supply of seeds and other agricultural inputs for rabi crop as an alternative measure, Mishra said.
The BJP is planning to corner the Government on the deteriorating law and order situation and the failing health services in the State.
The legislature party discussed the increasing Maoists activities in Balangir district and the Government failure to tackle the problem.
The meeting expressed concern over the threat call from a Maoist activist to the party leader in the Assembly KV Singhdeo and the murder of a BJD functionary by the Left wing extremists. Six legislators, including BJP supported Pratap Sarangi (Ind), attended the meeting. Bonai MLA Bhimsen Choudhury who was suspended from the party was absent.
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BHUBANESWAR: The BJP on Tuesday decided to oppose the Sindol hydro-electricity projects in the Monsoon Session of the Assembly commencing from Wednesday.
While the proposed projects are facing stiff opposition from people of four districts of Boudh, Sonepur, Sambalpur and Bargarh, the BJP Legislature Party slammed the Government for not taking the people and the Council of Ministers into confidence before announcing the projects.
“The Government should have taken up the approval of State Cabinet before signing an agreement with the National Hydro Power Corporation and the Orissa Hydro Power Corporation,” said Deputy Leader of the party in the Assembly Jayanarayan Mishra.
Facing Opposition from within the BJD, the Government will have a tough time to explain to the Opposition and ruling benches as well on the hurried manner in which the MoU was signed, he said.
With drought looming large in several districts due to erratic monsoon, the BJPLP slammed the Government for not having any contingency plan for the affected farmers.
The BJP will press for waiver of farm loan and supply of seeds and other agricultural inputs for rabi crop as an alternative measure, Mishra said.
The BJP is planning to corner the Government on the deteriorating law and order situation and the failing health services in the State.
The legislature party discussed the increasing Maoists activities in Balangir district and the Government failure to tackle the problem.
The meeting expressed concern over the threat call from a Maoist activist to the party leader in the Assembly KV Singhdeo and the murder of a BJD functionary by the Left wing extremists. Six legislators, including BJP supported Pratap Sarangi (Ind), attended the meeting. Bonai MLA Bhimsen Choudhury who was suspended from the party was absent.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Govari river swallows templehttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Indian express Express News Service , The New Indian Express
Posted on Aug 15, 2011 at 11:37am IST
KENDRAPARA: A temple built in 1949 to commemorate the death of Mahatma Gandhi, at Barimula village in the district stares at an uncertain future. On the verge of being swallowed by the Govari river, the temple, with a statue of Gandhi, is a prime example of maladministration.
The district administration has remained indifferent to the issue, locals allege.
“A few locals had tried to restrict the advancing water with stone embankment.
However, the move was opposed by villagers from the opposite bank and the temple was left to perish,” rued president of Orissa Freedom Fighter’s Association of Kendrapara, Purusotama Nayak.
Earlier, a large tract of land was earmarked for expansion of the temple. However, it remains unrealised as the river water has slowly engulfed the land. However, the temple has not lost its sheen and is still revered by locals. It is decked up to mark the Independence Day and Gandhi Jayanti and is frequented by people from all walks of life.
Indian express Express News Service , The New Indian Express
Posted on Aug 15, 2011 at 11:37am IST
KENDRAPARA: A temple built in 1949 to commemorate the death of Mahatma Gandhi, at Barimula village in the district stares at an uncertain future. On the verge of being swallowed by the Govari river, the temple, with a statue of Gandhi, is a prime example of maladministration.
The district administration has remained indifferent to the issue, locals allege.
“A few locals had tried to restrict the advancing water with stone embankment.
However, the move was opposed by villagers from the opposite bank and the temple was left to perish,” rued president of Orissa Freedom Fighter’s Association of Kendrapara, Purusotama Nayak.
Earlier, a large tract of land was earmarked for expansion of the temple. However, it remains unrealised as the river water has slowly engulfed the land. However, the temple has not lost its sheen and is still revered by locals. It is decked up to mark the Independence Day and Gandhi Jayanti and is frequented by people from all walks of life.
Pollution in Ganga claims more lives than bomb blasts: L K Advani
NEW DELHI: Senior BJP leader L K Advani today expressed concerns over the increasing level of pollution in the river Ganga, saying it was claiming more lives than those caused by bomb blasts.
In his latest blog posting, Advani quoted Swami Chidananda Saraswati of Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh, to argue that the pollution in Ganga was a serious matter.
"Today most people do not realize that nearly a million people living along the banks of the Ganga die each year due to illnesses caused by its polluted water...,"
"A few dozen people dying in bomb blasts in India becomes big news worldwide, and rightly so. But the tragic deaths of many people, who are dependent on the Ganga, goes unnoticed even in India. We must change this," he said, quoting Swami Chidanand.
"Ganga is languishing in such polluted state that people hesitate to bathe in her waters even in Kashi. This is caused by reckless and ill-planned industrialization and urbanization, made worse by lack of elementary civic facilities in towns and villages along it," Advani observed.
In the upper reaches of the river, hydro-electric projects have caused considerable damage to the Ganga and its natural ecology, leading to drying up of long stretches of the river-bed and depriving the nearby villagers of their main source of water, he said.
Suggesting measures to clean the river, the BJP leader quoted Swami Chidanand, "We must launch a mission, which I call the 3-T Mission -- toilet in every home, tap in every home bringing clean water, and tree-plantation on a massive scale in every village and town."
"Millions of Indians abroad would be inspired if India takes up this comprehensive Ganga Mission. They would even be willing to make generous contribution to this project," Advani said on his blog, quoting Swami Chidanand.
NEW DELHI: Senior BJP leader L K Advani today expressed concerns over the increasing level of pollution in the river Ganga, saying it was claiming more lives than those caused by bomb blasts.
In his latest blog posting, Advani quoted Swami Chidananda Saraswati of Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh, to argue that the pollution in Ganga was a serious matter.
"Today most people do not realize that nearly a million people living along the banks of the Ganga die each year due to illnesses caused by its polluted water...,"
"A few dozen people dying in bomb blasts in India becomes big news worldwide, and rightly so. But the tragic deaths of many people, who are dependent on the Ganga, goes unnoticed even in India. We must change this," he said, quoting Swami Chidanand.
"Ganga is languishing in such polluted state that people hesitate to bathe in her waters even in Kashi. This is caused by reckless and ill-planned industrialization and urbanization, made worse by lack of elementary civic facilities in towns and villages along it," Advani observed.
In the upper reaches of the river, hydro-electric projects have caused considerable damage to the Ganga and its natural ecology, leading to drying up of long stretches of the river-bed and depriving the nearby villagers of their main source of water, he said.
Suggesting measures to clean the river, the BJP leader quoted Swami Chidanand, "We must launch a mission, which I call the 3-T Mission -- toilet in every home, tap in every home bringing clean water, and tree-plantation on a massive scale in every village and town."
"Millions of Indians abroad would be inspired if India takes up this comprehensive Ganga Mission. They would even be willing to make generous contribution to this project," Advani said on his blog, quoting Swami Chidanand.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Sindol
Sindol project: Government assures water to farmhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
BHUBANESWAR: In a bid to pacify the growing discontentment over the decision to go ahead with the Sindol power project, the State Government on Wednesday announced setting up of mega lift irrigation points on both sides of the barrage. Farmers of three Western Orissa districts -Boudh, Sonepur and Sambalpur- are strongly opposed to the National Hydro Power Corporation’s (NHPC) Rs 3,000-crore hydro power project. The Sindol project was scrapped several times in the past because of strong opposition from the locals who fear submergence of large tracts of agricultural land and several villages. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had said that the project will not be implemented while campaigning for Rairakhol bypoll in 2003, which the Biju Janata Dal eventually won. But the Government has again revived the project sparking off large-scale opposition. The Government maintained that the farmers of Boudh, Sonepur and Sambalpur will benefit from the proposed lift irrigation points to be set up on both sides of the project. The decision was taken at a high level meeting at the secretariat here presided over by Naveen. The Government clarified that there would be no submergence of villages or paddy fields as it has been decided to reduce the height of the barrages. The three units of the project would together generate 320 MW after completion of Sindol-I, II and III. Softening its earlier stand, the Congress maintained that the party will study the situation and announce its decision, if there will be no submergence and displacement due to the project. The Congress has asked the Government to clarify how many villages will be submerged and the families to be displaced by the project. The BJP has opposed the project. The party had even passed a resolution against the project in the recently held State executive and threatened to launch an agitation if it was not scrapped.
BHUBANESWAR: In a bid to pacify the growing discontentment over the decision to go ahead with the Sindol power project, the State Government on Wednesday announced setting up of mega lift irrigation points on both sides of the barrage. Farmers of three Western Orissa districts -Boudh, Sonepur and Sambalpur- are strongly opposed to the National Hydro Power Corporation’s (NHPC) Rs 3,000-crore hydro power project. The Sindol project was scrapped several times in the past because of strong opposition from the locals who fear submergence of large tracts of agricultural land and several villages. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had said that the project will not be implemented while campaigning for Rairakhol bypoll in 2003, which the Biju Janata Dal eventually won. But the Government has again revived the project sparking off large-scale opposition. The Government maintained that the farmers of Boudh, Sonepur and Sambalpur will benefit from the proposed lift irrigation points to be set up on both sides of the project. The decision was taken at a high level meeting at the secretariat here presided over by Naveen. The Government clarified that there would be no submergence of villages or paddy fields as it has been decided to reduce the height of the barrages. The three units of the project would together generate 320 MW after completion of Sindol-I, II and III. Softening its earlier stand, the Congress maintained that the party will study the situation and announce its decision, if there will be no submergence and displacement due to the project. The Congress has asked the Government to clarify how many villages will be submerged and the families to be displaced by the project. The BJP has opposed the project. The party had even passed a resolution against the project in the recently held State executive and threatened to launch an agitation if it was not scrapped.
Sindhol
Public hearing before Sindol project: Min
Source : Press Trust of India
published on : 8/3/2011 9:18:23 PM
Bhubaneswar: With resentment brewing in three districts of western Orissa over NHPC's Sindol project, the state government on Wednesday said it would conduct public hearings before implementing Rs 2,600 crore hydel project.
"We will take views of the local people before going ahead with the project," state energy minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak told reporters here.
Though the state government had been claiming that no one would be displaced or no agricultural land be submerged due to Sindol project, to be implemented in a joint venture between the public sector NHPC and the state-owned OHPC, the local people did not accept it.
According the MoU signed between NHPC and OHPC in presence of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on July 21, Sindol project would have three different hydro-power generation stations with installed capacity of 320 MW. The hydel power generation stations would be located in Sambalpur, Sonepur and Boudh districts.
The people in Sonepur on Wednesday observed a 12-hour bandh at the district headquarters opposing Sindol project.
The controversy over the Sindol project had meanwhile taken political turn with opposition Congress and BJP demanding clarification from the state government. The ruling BJD MLAs from the three districts have also expressed their concern over the state government's action of signing MoU for Sindol project without reading public mind.
Health minister Prasanna Acharya, food and supplies minister Niranjan Pujari and former minister and sitting Birmaharajpur MLA Padmanav Behera, have meanwhile expressed their displeasure over the state government's action of going ahead with the controversial Sindol project without consulting the people's representatives.
Source : Press Trust of India
published on : 8/3/2011 9:18:23 PM
Bhubaneswar: With resentment brewing in three districts of western Orissa over NHPC's Sindol project, the state government on Wednesday said it would conduct public hearings before implementing Rs 2,600 crore hydel project.
"We will take views of the local people before going ahead with the project," state energy minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak told reporters here.
Though the state government had been claiming that no one would be displaced or no agricultural land be submerged due to Sindol project, to be implemented in a joint venture between the public sector NHPC and the state-owned OHPC, the local people did not accept it.
According the MoU signed between NHPC and OHPC in presence of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on July 21, Sindol project would have three different hydro-power generation stations with installed capacity of 320 MW. The hydel power generation stations would be located in Sambalpur, Sonepur and Boudh districts.
The people in Sonepur on Wednesday observed a 12-hour bandh at the district headquarters opposing Sindol project.
The controversy over the Sindol project had meanwhile taken political turn with opposition Congress and BJP demanding clarification from the state government. The ruling BJD MLAs from the three districts have also expressed their concern over the state government's action of signing MoU for Sindol project without reading public mind.
Health minister Prasanna Acharya, food and supplies minister Niranjan Pujari and former minister and sitting Birmaharajpur MLA Padmanav Behera, have meanwhile expressed their displeasure over the state government's action of going ahead with the controversial Sindol project without consulting the people's representatives.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Mahanadi
Collector assures Inquiry into crop damage
Indian Express 25th July 2011
Sambalpur: Enraged farmers met Sambapur Collector Mrinalini Darswal here on Monday demanding adequate compensation for paddy crop damaged due to emission from the smelter plant of Hindalco at Hirakud. They were led by Sambapur Zilla Krushak Surakhya Sanghatan (SZKSS) president Murari Prasad Purohit.
Darswal assured the farmers to visit damaged farms and take up the issue with Hindalco management. On 23rd July farmers from Nua Jamda, dengimocha and Mohmadpur villages in the vicinity of the smelter plant of Hindalco found their paddy sapling damaged due to release of Suspended particulate matter (SPM) from the plant. Paddy sapling in over 25 acres of land across in three villages were destroyed while standing crop on about 15 acres in Nua Jamda village were damaged.
Later the villagers informed the deputy director of agriculture Ashok Mohanty who dispatched a team of scientists to the spot. The team confirmed damage to the crops.
Indian Express 25th July 2011
Sambalpur: Enraged farmers met Sambapur Collector Mrinalini Darswal here on Monday demanding adequate compensation for paddy crop damaged due to emission from the smelter plant of Hindalco at Hirakud. They were led by Sambapur Zilla Krushak Surakhya Sanghatan (SZKSS) president Murari Prasad Purohit.
Darswal assured the farmers to visit damaged farms and take up the issue with Hindalco management. On 23rd July farmers from Nua Jamda, dengimocha and Mohmadpur villages in the vicinity of the smelter plant of Hindalco found their paddy sapling damaged due to release of Suspended particulate matter (SPM) from the plant. Paddy sapling in over 25 acres of land across in three villages were destroyed while standing crop on about 15 acres in Nua Jamda village were damaged.
Later the villagers informed the deputy director of agriculture Ashok Mohanty who dispatched a team of scientists to the spot. The team confirmed damage to the crops.
Sindhol Updates
Shutdown in Orissa against power plantshttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Bhubaneswar, Aug 9 (IANS) Normal life was affected in two Orissa districts Tuesday with people blocking roads and carrying out marches to protest proposed power plants in the area.
Vehicles went off the road in several places of Sambalpur and Boudh districts due to the daylong shutdown called by Kosal Kranti Dal and Sambalpur Lawyers Association.
Shops, business establishments, schools and colleges were also found closed in leading towns in both the districts, a senior police officer from the region told IANS.
Train services were also affected as protestors squatted on rail tracks at places like Rairakhol and Sambalpur, he said.
The state-run NHPC Ltd last month signed a pact with the state government to set up hydropower plants in Subarnapur (100 MW), Sambalpur (100 MW) and Boudh (120 MW) districts across Mahanadi river in western Orissa.
The government said there will be no displacement due to these projects. It said public hearings will be held in the project area in view of opposition.
However, residents are not buying the arguments.
"The government should scrap the project. Why does the government want to conduct public hearings when the projects are already facing opposition," P.K. Rath, a protest leader, told IANS.
The hydropower generating company will build the plants in five years' time in a joint venture with the Orissa state-run Hydro Power Corporation with a combined investment of Rs.2,600 crore to generate 320 MW power.
Protestors said the projects would hit at least 118 villages wholly or partially and would bring untold miseries and devastation to people of the area.
People also fear the plants will submerge several temples, including the world famous Huma Temple in Sambalpur district.
"People had stoutly opposed this project in the past, why is the government pursuing it again and again," another protestor asked.
Bhubaneswar, Aug 9 (IANS) Normal life was affected in two Orissa districts Tuesday with people blocking roads and carrying out marches to protest proposed power plants in the area.
Vehicles went off the road in several places of Sambalpur and Boudh districts due to the daylong shutdown called by Kosal Kranti Dal and Sambalpur Lawyers Association.
Shops, business establishments, schools and colleges were also found closed in leading towns in both the districts, a senior police officer from the region told IANS.
Train services were also affected as protestors squatted on rail tracks at places like Rairakhol and Sambalpur, he said.
The state-run NHPC Ltd last month signed a pact with the state government to set up hydropower plants in Subarnapur (100 MW), Sambalpur (100 MW) and Boudh (120 MW) districts across Mahanadi river in western Orissa.
The government said there will be no displacement due to these projects. It said public hearings will be held in the project area in view of opposition.
However, residents are not buying the arguments.
"The government should scrap the project. Why does the government want to conduct public hearings when the projects are already facing opposition," P.K. Rath, a protest leader, told IANS.
The hydropower generating company will build the plants in five years' time in a joint venture with the Orissa state-run Hydro Power Corporation with a combined investment of Rs.2,600 crore to generate 320 MW power.
Protestors said the projects would hit at least 118 villages wholly or partially and would bring untold miseries and devastation to people of the area.
People also fear the plants will submerge several temples, including the world famous Huma Temple in Sambalpur district.
"People had stoutly opposed this project in the past, why is the government pursuing it again and again," another protestor asked.
Odisha Environment
Environment Minister Natarajan says 31 projects from Orissa awaiting environmental clearance
Report by OrissaDiary.com correspondent; New Delhi: Union Minister of State for Environment and Forests Jayanthi Natarajan says 31 projects from Orissa awaiting environmental clearance.
A total of 31 projects from Orissa in the sectors of industry, mining and port projects are awaiting environmental clearance as on 31.07.2011 with the Ministry of Environment & Forests.
The perceived delay in according environmental clearance inter-alia includes non-compliance of the procedures of the EIA Notification 2006 and Circulars of the Ministry, inadequate information on critical environmental parameters, and deficiencies in the Environmental Management Plans by the project proponents.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment and Forests (independent charge) Shrimati Jayanthi Natarajan in a written reply to a question by Shrimati Renubala Pradhan in Rajya Sabha today.
List of Projects in Orissa Pending for Environmental Clearance
Name of Projects
1. Sponge Iron Plant at District Cattack, Orissa by M/s Virajaa Steel & Power (P) Limited
2. Integrated Steel Plant at District Dhaenkanal, Orissa by M/s Bhushan Steel Limited
3. Integrated steel complex at Village lPotapali/Sikirdi, District Sambalpur, Orissa by M/s. Rathi Steel and Power Limited.
4. Expansion of production of Fibre Cement Corrugated Sheets Accessories from 8,56,000 MTPA to 12,50,000 MTPA at Korian District Dhenkanal Orissa by M/s UAL Orissa Limited (MRPL)
5. Expansion of Integrated Steel Plant at Topadih in District Keonjhar Orissa by M/s. Deepak Steel & Power Limited
6. Expansion of Clinker Grinding unit at Jharsuguda Cement Works district Jharsuguda Orissa by M/s. Ultra Tech Cement Limited
7. Expansion of existing Pellet Plant with 0.1 MTPA Integrated Steel Plant at Matkambeda Industrial Estate District Keonjhar Orissa by M/s. Arya Iron & Steel Co. Private Limited
8. Integrated Seel Complex at Katasahi District Keonjhar Orissa by M/s. Kamaljeet Singh Alhuwalia
B. NON-COAL MINING
9. Dubna-Sakradih Iron & Manganese Ore Mining Project of M/s Orissa Mining Corporation Ltd., Village(s) Handibhanga, Jampani, Badakalimati, Dubuna, Purunadih, Naibaga and Basantpur, District Keonjhar
10. Talangi Chromite Mine “B” of M/s. IDCOL Ferro Chrome & Alloys Ltd. located at Distt. Jajpur
11. Chhuinpalli Quartzite Mining Project of M/s Tata, Village Chhuinpalli, district Jharsuguda
12 Kasia Iron Ore Mines of M/s Tej Bahadur Lal located at Vill-Kasia, Distt-Keonjhar
13 Sanindpur iron & Manganese Mine of M/s National Enterprises located at Distt. Sundergarh
14 Bhadrasahi Iron and Manganese Ore Mining Project of M/s Orissa Minerals Deevlopment Co. Ltd. , Village Bhadrasahi, District Keonjhar
15 Thakurani Iron Ore Mining Project of M/s Kaypee Enterprises located in Village Thakurani, Tehsil Barbil, District Keonjhar
16 Bhadrasahi (Kolha-Roida) Iron & Manganese Ore Mine of M/s (Bharat Process & Mechanical Engineers Ltd.) C/O The Orissa Minerals Development Co. Ltd., Village Bhadrasahi, Distt. Keonjhar
17 Nuagaon Iron Ore Beneficiation Plant of M/s Kamaljeet Singh Ahluwalia, Village Guali & Barpada, Distt. Keonjhar
18 EC for Bolani Ore Mines of M/s SAIL, Distt. Keonjhar
19 Tikarpara Pyrophyllite & Quartzite Mines of M/s Banwarilall Newatia, Village Tikarpara & Ambadhara, Distt. Keonjhar
20 Expansion of Khondbond Iron & Manganese Ore Mine of M/s Tata Steel Ltd., Village Khandbond, Tehsil Barbil, Distt. Keonjhar
21 15 MTPA Iron Ore Washing & Beneficiation Plant of M/s Sarda Mines Pvt.Ltd., Village Soyabali, Tehsil-Barbil, Distt.Keonjhar
22 Expansion of Iron Ore Mine of M/s Kalinga Mining Corp., Village Joruri & Khandbandh, Distt. Keonjhar
23 Gonua Iron & Manganese Mines of M/s M.G. Mohanty, Village Gonua, Distt. Sundergarh
24 Jalahuri Iron and Manganese Ore Mining Project of M/s Mala Roy & Others, Village Jalahuri, District Keonjhar
25 Environmental Clearance of Inganijharan Iron & Manganese Ore Mines of M/s Bhanja Minerals Pvt. Ltd located at Vill-Dadwan&Khuntapani, Distt-Keonjhar
C. COAL MINING
26 Basundhara OCP (2.4 MTPA to 8 MTPA and increase in lease area from 401 ha to 437.10 ha) of M/s MCL, Dist. Sundergarh
27- Expn. of Coal Beneficiation Plant (2 MTPA to 4 MTPA) of M/s Global Coal & Mining Pvt. Ltd., dist. Angul
28- Talabira-1 Coal Mine Project (expansion from 1.5 MTPA to 3 MTPA over 170.305 ha) of M/s HINDALCO located in district Sambalpur
29 Establishment of 5 MTPA Coal Washery of M/s Monnet Ispat & Energy Ltd., located at village Malibrahamani, Tehsil Chendipeda, Dist. Angul
D. PORT PROJECTS
30 Development of all weather deepwater port (phase-I and Phase II only) at Subarnarekha River, Balasore Dt., Orissa by M/s Creative Port Development Pvt. Ltd.
31 Development of Southern Dock Complex for construction of Multi-Purpose Clear Cargo Terminal and Oil terminal at Paradip Port of M/s Paradip Port Trust
Report by OrissaDiary.com correspondent; New Delhi: Union Minister of State for Environment and Forests Jayanthi Natarajan says 31 projects from Orissa awaiting environmental clearance.
A total of 31 projects from Orissa in the sectors of industry, mining and port projects are awaiting environmental clearance as on 31.07.2011 with the Ministry of Environment & Forests.
The perceived delay in according environmental clearance inter-alia includes non-compliance of the procedures of the EIA Notification 2006 and Circulars of the Ministry, inadequate information on critical environmental parameters, and deficiencies in the Environmental Management Plans by the project proponents.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment and Forests (independent charge) Shrimati Jayanthi Natarajan in a written reply to a question by Shrimati Renubala Pradhan in Rajya Sabha today.
List of Projects in Orissa Pending for Environmental Clearance
Name of Projects
1. Sponge Iron Plant at District Cattack, Orissa by M/s Virajaa Steel & Power (P) Limited
2. Integrated Steel Plant at District Dhaenkanal, Orissa by M/s Bhushan Steel Limited
3. Integrated steel complex at Village lPotapali/Sikirdi, District Sambalpur, Orissa by M/s. Rathi Steel and Power Limited.
4. Expansion of production of Fibre Cement Corrugated Sheets Accessories from 8,56,000 MTPA to 12,50,000 MTPA at Korian District Dhenkanal Orissa by M/s UAL Orissa Limited (MRPL)
5. Expansion of Integrated Steel Plant at Topadih in District Keonjhar Orissa by M/s. Deepak Steel & Power Limited
6. Expansion of Clinker Grinding unit at Jharsuguda Cement Works district Jharsuguda Orissa by M/s. Ultra Tech Cement Limited
7. Expansion of existing Pellet Plant with 0.1 MTPA Integrated Steel Plant at Matkambeda Industrial Estate District Keonjhar Orissa by M/s. Arya Iron & Steel Co. Private Limited
8. Integrated Seel Complex at Katasahi District Keonjhar Orissa by M/s. Kamaljeet Singh Alhuwalia
B. NON-COAL MINING
9. Dubna-Sakradih Iron & Manganese Ore Mining Project of M/s Orissa Mining Corporation Ltd., Village(s) Handibhanga, Jampani, Badakalimati, Dubuna, Purunadih, Naibaga and Basantpur, District Keonjhar
10. Talangi Chromite Mine “B” of M/s. IDCOL Ferro Chrome & Alloys Ltd. located at Distt. Jajpur
11. Chhuinpalli Quartzite Mining Project of M/s Tata, Village Chhuinpalli, district Jharsuguda
12 Kasia Iron Ore Mines of M/s Tej Bahadur Lal located at Vill-Kasia, Distt-Keonjhar
13 Sanindpur iron & Manganese Mine of M/s National Enterprises located at Distt. Sundergarh
14 Bhadrasahi Iron and Manganese Ore Mining Project of M/s Orissa Minerals Deevlopment Co. Ltd. , Village Bhadrasahi, District Keonjhar
15 Thakurani Iron Ore Mining Project of M/s Kaypee Enterprises located in Village Thakurani, Tehsil Barbil, District Keonjhar
16 Bhadrasahi (Kolha-Roida) Iron & Manganese Ore Mine of M/s (Bharat Process & Mechanical Engineers Ltd.) C/O The Orissa Minerals Development Co. Ltd., Village Bhadrasahi, Distt. Keonjhar
17 Nuagaon Iron Ore Beneficiation Plant of M/s Kamaljeet Singh Ahluwalia, Village Guali & Barpada, Distt. Keonjhar
18 EC for Bolani Ore Mines of M/s SAIL, Distt. Keonjhar
19 Tikarpara Pyrophyllite & Quartzite Mines of M/s Banwarilall Newatia, Village Tikarpara & Ambadhara, Distt. Keonjhar
20 Expansion of Khondbond Iron & Manganese Ore Mine of M/s Tata Steel Ltd., Village Khandbond, Tehsil Barbil, Distt. Keonjhar
21 15 MTPA Iron Ore Washing & Beneficiation Plant of M/s Sarda Mines Pvt.Ltd., Village Soyabali, Tehsil-Barbil, Distt.Keonjhar
22 Expansion of Iron Ore Mine of M/s Kalinga Mining Corp., Village Joruri & Khandbandh, Distt. Keonjhar
23 Gonua Iron & Manganese Mines of M/s M.G. Mohanty, Village Gonua, Distt. Sundergarh
24 Jalahuri Iron and Manganese Ore Mining Project of M/s Mala Roy & Others, Village Jalahuri, District Keonjhar
25 Environmental Clearance of Inganijharan Iron & Manganese Ore Mines of M/s Bhanja Minerals Pvt. Ltd located at Vill-Dadwan&Khuntapani, Distt-Keonjhar
C. COAL MINING
26 Basundhara OCP (2.4 MTPA to 8 MTPA and increase in lease area from 401 ha to 437.10 ha) of M/s MCL, Dist. Sundergarh
27- Expn. of Coal Beneficiation Plant (2 MTPA to 4 MTPA) of M/s Global Coal & Mining Pvt. Ltd., dist. Angul
28- Talabira-1 Coal Mine Project (expansion from 1.5 MTPA to 3 MTPA over 170.305 ha) of M/s HINDALCO located in district Sambalpur
29 Establishment of 5 MTPA Coal Washery of M/s Monnet Ispat & Energy Ltd., located at village Malibrahamani, Tehsil Chendipeda, Dist. Angul
D. PORT PROJECTS
30 Development of all weather deepwater port (phase-I and Phase II only) at Subarnarekha River, Balasore Dt., Orissa by M/s Creative Port Development Pvt. Ltd.
31 Development of Southern Dock Complex for construction of Multi-Purpose Clear Cargo Terminal and Oil terminal at Paradip Port of M/s Paradip Port Trust
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