NTECL-Vallur has clarified that the ongoing works in its ash dyke belong to the first phase of the construction, for which environmental clearance was granted in 2007. According to the officials, there is no new construction on the ash pond other than work which has spilled over beyond the initial time line.
File photo of Vallur Thermal Power Station
Chennai:
The ash dyke for phase - I comprise of two lagoons, Lagoon-1 and Lagoon-2, spread over 525 Acres. The proposed ash pond for Phase-II, scheduled to be constructed in an area of 111 acres, was jettisoned due to certain technical reasons.
While carrying out the Consent to Operate (CTO) renewal in March 2016, TNPCB directed NTECL to not undertake any construction activity in the Ash Dyke Lagoon 1, which was followed. The Board demanded an assessment of the impact on mangroves and its mitigation measures due to the presence of the dyke, through National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI).
“The report has been submitted and a committee consisting TNPCB officials, an expert from IIT-Madras and officials from Forest Department carried out an inspection of the ash-dyke. Following this, a ‘no-objection’ was granted by TNPCB for construction of ash dyke of lagoon-1 subject to conditions – to carry out a study through M S Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) and work commenced in July 2017. Also, as advised by the Experts Committee and TNPCB, NTECL has awarded a contract to M/s MSSRF for mangrove restoration and afforestation works on January 9 with a time schedule of 36 months and the works are in progress,” said the spokesperson, adding that the company had applied for CTO even before it expired on March 31 and are waiting for its renewal.