Opposition to the 1200 MW coal-based thermal power plant and port in Jaigad

Date:04/08/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/08/04/stories/2007080455711200.htm

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National

Shiv Sena attacks Jindal office in Jaigad

Special Correspondent

MUMBAI: Opposition to the 1200 MW coal-based thermal power plant and port in Jaigad in Ratnagiri district is being stepped up, with about 40 Shiv Sainiks attacking the office of JSW Energy Ltd, an O.P. Jindal Group company on Thursday. Twelve persons were arrested for the offence. The Shiv Sena is the only political party supporting the farmers and fisherfolk in the region.

The thermal power plant on the coast as well as the proposed port has been drawing protests from mango farmers in the region and the fisherfolk. The Ratnagiri Zilla Jagruk Manch had filed a writ petition last year in the Bombay High Court challenging the manner in which public hearings were held for the plant. The court issued orders on April 26 asking the National Environmental Engineering Institute (NEERI) in Nagpur to conduct a study in coordination with the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB).

Dr. Vivek Bhide, president of the Manch, told The Hindu from Ratnagiri that NEERI had submitted a report to the court in July which clearly said that the company’s coal handling system was not proper in view of the high wind s peeds in the area.

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