HC Intervene in Jindal's Jaigad TPP

MPCB report sought in HC on Jindal`s power project in Ratnagiri

Mumbai, April 29: The Bombay High Court has asked the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board to file an environmental impact assessment report with regard to the Jindal Group's proposed coal-based thermal power plant in Ratnagiri district. While preparing the report, to be filed in two months, MPCB is to rope in the national environment engineering research institute (Neeri), the division bench of Chief Justice Swatanter Kumar and Justice S C Dharmadhikari directed last week. The court's order came on a PIL filed by members of Ratnagiri Zilla Jagaruk Manch who are opposing the project fearing environmental pollution, as the proposed plant, aimed at generating 1200 mw of power, would use coal as fuel. It would give rise to a lot of flying ash which could destroy the horticulture in the area, the petitioners contended. The plant, to be set up by JSW infrastructure and logistics, is coming up in 878 acres of land at Nandiwade village near Jaigad. The area has an extensive cultivation of mango, cashew and other fruits, which would be hit because of ash thrown into air by the project, the PIL said. The petitioners argued that a similar project at Dahanu in Thane district spelled disaster for the Chikoo orchards, which experienced a sudden dip in productivity. Their lawyer V A Gangal had earlier alleged in the court that the district administration and local politicians were hands-in-glove with the company, ignoring the local people's apprehensions. Bureau Report (http://www.zeenews.com/znnew/articles.asp?aid=368487&sid=REG)