CPF Participation - Minutes of the Public Hearing Meeting held on 09.04.2010 at 11.00 A.M.

09.04.2010

Minutes of the Public Hearing Meeting held on 09.04.2010 at 11.00 A.M. at Office of the Collectorate, Palayamkottai Road, Korampallam, Thoothukudi District for the propos ed M/s. Ind-Bharath Power Limited (formerly Ind-Bharath Power (Karwar) Ltd., for (3 x 150 MW) blended coal based Thermal Power Plant at

Swaminatham & Ottapidaram villages in Ottapidaram Taluk of Thoothukudi District.

The list of participants is enclosed in the Annexure

The District Environmental Engineer, Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, Thoothukudi District welcomed the public and explained about the need to conduct the public hearing. He also explained about the various provisions of EIA and requested the project proponent to explain in details about the project.The project proponent welcomed the gathering and explained in details about the proposed project. The project is based on circulating fluidized bed combustion boiler technology using 70% indigenous coal with 30% of imported coal. The project will use Air cool condenser system for main condensate cooling instead of conventional water cooling system. The water required for boiler feed and its domestic needs including green belt development will be met from the proposed (Third party) desalination plant. The project will have three separate ESP’s followed by chimney of 130 M (twin flue) and another 130 M. The total area envisaged for the project is 225 acres. Out of the 225 acres about 65 acres is earmarked for green belt development. About 30 acres is earmarked for ash dyke. The coal is proposed to be transported either by rail to preplant site or through road transport system from the Tuticorin Port. The coal storage yard will be provided with wind shield, water sprinklers system and use of closed coal conveyors. The project proponent also explained about the continuous air quality monitoring system that will be implemented during operation. The proponent also committed to provide maximum employment opportunity to the local people. The District Revenue Officer, Thoothukudi District has requested the public to express their opinion about the proposed project.

Public- 2

Ms. Assunta, Center for Human Empowerment through Education Related Services, (CHEERS) Eppothumvendran.

She suggested that public hearing should be conducted before starting the feasibility survey of the project. Government should instruct the project propend to put up desalination plant first and the commence their activities. The loss of land for this project is very high compared to the benefits enjoyed by the local mass. It was replied that, requisition was made to the government to provide water supply facility and is still under process but the management has once for all decided to opt for outright purchase from the desalination plant. Moreover the power generation will help to improve social and economic conditions of the society.