CPF - Participation - 06.04.2010 Minutes of the Public Hearing Meeting held on 06.04.2010 at 11.00 A.M. at Office

06.04.2010 Minutes of the Public Hearing Meeting held on 06.04.2010 at 11.00 A.M. at Office

of the Collectorate, Palayamkottai Road, Korampallam, Thoothukudi District for the propos ed M/s. Ind-Bharath Power Madras Limited for ( 2 x 660 MW) Super Critical Thermal Power Plant at Sastavinallur and Pallakurichi villages in Sattankulam Taluk , 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 super critical technology using 100% indigenous coal of 22800 MT/Day with Sulphur 0.4% and Ash of 45%. 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 two separate ESP’s followed by chimneys of each 275 M for each boiler. The total area envisaged for the project is 800 acres. Out of the 800 acres about 250 acres is earmarked for green belt development. About 100 acres is earmarked for ash dyke. The coal is proposed to be transported by rail to pre-plant site. 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 proponed stressed the importance reduction in green house gas emission using super critical technology. The District Revenue Officer, Thoothukudi District has requested the public to express their opinion on the proposed project.

Public 1

Thiru. Pushparayan, East Coast Research and Development, Thoothukudi . - CPF CONVENER

His first apprehension was about the news in daily regarding the shifting of the unit from Karnataka State to Tamil Nadu by this proponent. He stressed signature should be obtained from the all the participants of public hearing. He questioned the survival of fishermen community due to the installation of many power plants in Thoothukudi istrict. Also, the EIA, the proponent has proposed to draw water from TWAD Board. Whereas in the public hearing, they are going to purchase water from private desalination plants. He sought clarification in this and questioned the handling of coal to the site. It was replied by the proponent that they are going to adopt the following.

- Air cooling for condensate cooling.

- Procured water from the thirty party desalination plants and dropped the proposal of using TWAD Water.

- Proposed to use Railway mode for conveyance of coal. Regarding this feasibility study and alignment survey were completed by Railways and the project is under active execution.

- Not going to utilize the proposed Mannappadu Port for handling coal.

- Since, the natural draft available along the coastal stretches of Karanataka are not encouraging for large vessels, the project was shifted to Tamil Nadu.

Public 7

Thiru. P. Rayan, Secretary, Fisheries Association - CPF , Member

He stated that, even developed nations are opted for hydro electric power projects to mitigate global warming. He opposed the water drawal from river Tamiraparani since the area is already facing shortage of water to meet out the drinking and agriculture needs. It was not clearly given in the EIA report. He expressed serious doubts about the project and in general was against any development projects.

To this it was replied that the feasibility of hydro electric projects were remote due to seasonal rivers and occasional failures of monsoon. Tapping of wind power is also limited. So, thermal power is the only viable option to meet out the energy needs. It was reiterated that water will not be drawn from river even for construction activities.

Public 13

CHEERS, Eppothumventran , CPF Member

Representative of CHEEARS has said that it will be better if your report could tell us the type of jobs available and the qualification required so that our people can pursue those needy courses and be ready for employment. She stated that many of the projects are engaging people of northern states for their construction activity because of the low wages. She has raised similar doubts in these projects also and stressed to accommodate local people only.

At the outset, Mr. Mayilvel, Vice President (Technical) of M/s. Ind-Bharth Power Projects Ltd., has replied that they are already running two power plants in this area (Velayuthapuram and Eppothumvendran of Ottapidaram Taluk) and recruited more than 90% of local people including him.He assured that their management will consider the genuine demands of the local people and do their best.