2 weeks Ago
Chennai: National Green Tribunal ( NGT ) has directed Tangedco to provide details on the removal of concrete structures from eco-sensitive zones before proceeding with North Chennai Thermal Power Station (NCTPS) project at Vayalur in Tiruvallur. Tangedco had secured environmental (EC) and Coastal Regulatory Zone ( CRZ ) clearances in 2016 to build a closed coal conveyor belt for the project. The belt was designed to transfer imported coal directly from the local port to the power plant, aiming to reduce dust pollution caused by truck transportation in the area.
During construction, however, Tangedco deviated from the approved route, citing technical issues, and erected concrete structures along the new path. This alternate route passed through CRZ areas and Kosasthalaiyar river, triggering protests from local fishermen and residents. The NGT, taking suo moto cognizance, halted the project and instructed Tangedco to obtain approval for the design change from the Union environment ministry.
The process of amending the EC was lengthy and costly, with the project cost ballooning from 9,000 crore to 18,000 crore, according to Abdul Salem, senior counsel for Tangedco, who argued for reverting to the originally approved route. During Thursday's hearing, the tribunal inquired whether the concrete structures erected on the deviated route had been removed and scheduled further proceedings for Monday. The NCTPS (2 x 660 MW) project would supply power to the entire city and its suburbs.
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