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Orissa seeks coal ministry’s help as CBI inquiry delays OPGC expansion

Wants ministry to intervene in getting previous approval for Manoharpur mine.

Worried over CBI inquiry into coal block allocations delaying the expansion work of Odisha Power Generation Corporation (OPGC), its only energy PSU, Orissa has sought coal ministry’s intervention in getting previous approval for Manoharpur coal blocks.

CBI is currently investigating alleged irregularities in awarding five coal blocks to three state-run PSUs.

The coal blocks under investigation by CBI for alleged irregularities are Utkal-D, Nuagaon Telisahi, Mandakini-B, Manoharpur & Dip side of Manoharpur and Baitarani West. OPGC’s 2×210 megawatt thermal power unit in Banharpalli area of Jharsugudua district has been allocated two coal blocks — Manoharpur and Dip-side of Manoharpur’s — for pursuing capacity addition of 4×660 megawatt in phase II and III.

The mining lease proposal of Manoharpur coal block was recommended and forwarded by Orissa government to coal ministry in December 2012 for obtaining previous approval and the proposal is still pending with the coal ministry.

In a letter to Union coal secretary SS Srivastava last week, Orissa chief secretary JK Mohapatra said accordance of previous approval for Manoharpur coal mine of OPGC is essential for the power plant, which is already entering construction phase.

“It is a matter of concern that the project is already exposed to draw down from the lenders and any delay in execution would entail higher costs, which is not in the interest of the project. OPGC has made significant progress in the development of coal mines despite being kept under No Go category for almost three years,” Mohapatra said.

The chief secretary noted that 100 per cent payment has been disbursed and possession is in progress for private land and lease has been sanctioned towards more than 90 per cent of government land.

“Stage-I forest clearance has bene received and requirements for stage-II forest clearance have been complied… is presently under consideration of Ministry of Environment and Forests. (The) Expert Appraisal Committee has cleared the proposal for environment clearance and consent… has been issued by Orissa Pollution Control Board. The revised mining plan and mine closure plan has been approved by coal ministry,” the letter said.

Source: The Indian Express