CHENNAI: The National Green Tribunal Southern Zone has kept in abeyance the environmental clearance granted to Uppur thermal power plant in Ramanathapuram.
Tangedco had in 2012 obtained the Union environment ministry’s nod to set up the 1,600MW supercritical plant and foreshore facilities.
Residents of the area said it would affect nearby lakes, agricultural land, and marine life and that a bridge proposed to be constructed as part of the project wouldn’t let traditional country boats with high masts through. They also alleged that Tangedco’s decision to drop using 100 % imported coal and to mix domestic coal (ratio of 70:30) could worsen air pollution.
After residents moved the NGT, Tangedco and other government agencies involved said only 26% of the 1,3423 acres acquired was agricultural land and that there was no violation of environmental clearance or CRZ norms.
Now, the NGT has directed Tangedco to do a fresh coal analysis and study the bridge issue. The Union environment ministry has been told to issue a revised clearance within six months after an independent inquiry by its Expert Appraisal Committee.