By: K.M. Dayashankar
There is steady progress for the execution of the Telangana Super Thermal Power (TSTP) project stage-I of 2×800 (1600) MWs by the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), Ramagundam, in Karimnagar district, with the Central expert appraisal committee clearing the project on Monday.
The Central expert appraisal committee cleared the TSTP stage-I of NTPC and eighth and ninth units of 2×800 (1600) MWs and referred it to the Union Minister of Environment for its clearance.
Already, the Telangana State Pollution Control Board held environmental public hearing in May this year.
Once the NTPC gets the environmental clearance for the project, it would take all measures for formally launching the works for the project, tentatively in the month of January 2016 on a grand scale. The TSTP stage-I of 2 x 800 MWs project would come up on the existing land of NTPC Ramagundam at a cost of Rs. 9,954.20 crore.
In order to protect the environment from pollution, the authorities have decided to allocate Rs. 834 crore for the environmental issues of new power project.
It was also decided to construct two efficient and eco-friendly chimneys of 275 meters height. It was also decided to develop green cover around the plant and also ash pond for the project.
Presently, the NTPC Ramagundam is generating 2600 MWs of power and is supplying it to the entire south India. The power generated from TSTP stage-I of 1600 MWs would be provided only to the State.
This project is conceived by the Union Government as part of the AP Reorganisation Act of 2014.
NTPC sources said that they plan to launch the foundation stone ceremony of TSTP stage-I on grand scale in the month of January 2016 by inviting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao and others.
Source: The Hindu