The mindless coal power project which is being pushed at a great cost to the environment and people in several areas of the world seems to have achieved yet another milestone in side-stepping the law.
It is no less than a climate crime to fetch coal from Australia, lug in a train for 800 kilometers, build an exclusive rail-line through forests, fetch water from over 100 kilometers and export power to Bangladesh.
See the amendments of amendments that the EAC is privileged to undertake!
MINUTES OF THE 37th MEETING OF THE RE-CONSTITUTED EXPERT APPRAISAL COMMITTEE (EAC) ON ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA) OF THERMAL POWER PROJECTS HELD DURING 23rd January 2020.
ANY OTHER ITEM WITH THE PERMISSION OF THE CHAIR
(37.6) 2x800 MW Imported Coal based Godda Thermal Power Project at Villages Motia, Patwa, Gangta and Nayabad of Godda Block and Sondiha, Petbi, Gayghat, Ranganiya and Mali villages of Poraiyahaat Block, Distt. Godda, Jharkhand by M/s Adani Power (Jharkhand) Limited- reg. amendment in Environmental Clearance.
(37.6.1) Project Proponent submitted online application on IA/JH/THE/54853/2016 dated 23.12.2019 for amendment in EC dated 31.8.2017.
(37.6.2) Project Proponent has made the presentation inter-alia submitted the following information:
i. The Environmental Clearance (EC) for 2x800 MW Imported coal based Thermal Power Project proposed in District Godda, Jharkhand was issued to M/s Adani Power (Jharkhand) Ltd. vide Ministry‟s letter dated 31.8.2017.
ii. The Ministry also amended the EC for change in water source from Chir River to Ganga River vide letter dated 3.9.2019.
iii. Para 5 of EC amendment dated 03.9.2019 mentioned as below: “Storage reservoir earlier planned in 441 acres has been reduced to 156 acres as the water drawl period has now been increased from 4 months to 6 months.”
iv. As per the water allocation of 36 MCM/annum made by Water Resource Dept., Govt. of Jharkhand vide letter dated 15.01.2018 stipulated that the water is to be drawn during June till December (07 months). Accordingly, water reservoir will accommodate the water drawn for seven months. Accordingly, the following change is required. “Storage reservoir earlier planned in 441 acres has been reduced to 156 acres as the water drawl period has now been increased from 4 months to 7 months.”
v. Condition No.7(i) of the EC amendment dated 3.9.2019 stipulates that Stage-I forest clearance to be submitted and formal amendment to be issued after furnishing the Stage-I Clearance. As the Stage-I Forest Clearance was accorded by the Ministry‟s Regional Office, Ranchi vide letter dated 28.6.2019 for diversion of 13.3293 ha for laying water pipeline from Chir River to Power plant, this condition may now be deleted.
vi. Project Proponent vide their letter dated 16.12.2019 submitted that the said project has now been designated as Special Economic Zone (SEZ) under SEZ Act, 2005 vide Ministry of Commerce and Industry letter dated 20.8.2019 and Notification No.S.O.3327(E) dated 16.9.2019 for an area of 222.668 ha (550.23 acres). The area has been classified as Sector Specific Economic Zone for Power.
vii. The Environmental Clearance for Power Plant was issued under Sl.1(d) of the Schedule of EIA Notification.
viii. In view of the new classification of power plant in the SEZ, the project also requires Environmental Clearance under Sl.No.7(c): Special Economic Zone (SEZ) of the Schedule of EIA Notification, 2006. Obtaining fresh EC is a long process. As there is no change in project configuration and scope or entity even after notification of SEZ, the said EC may also be granted under SEZ.
ix. As per the EC and its amendment, project area was 558 acres. As per the notification of Ministry of Commerce and Industry, SEZ area is 550.23 acres. (37.6.3) Committee noted that project is exclusively meant for export of Power/electricity, and hence notified under Special Economic Zone. Proponent mentioned that the EC was issued for stand alone Thermal Power Plant. Even after notification of SEZ, it remains to be the Single Unit SEZ and there no change in the scope/configuration of the project. The differential area of 7.7 acres shall be developed with greenbelt by project proponent.
Member Secretary informed that Infrastructure-1 Sector of IA Division has also recommended for giving amendment in EC for inclusion of project category under SEZ.
(37.6.4) Committee after detailed deliberations, recommended for amendment in EC regarding inclusion of SEZ, storage of water reservoir area to 7 months, deletion of condition on Forest Clearance subject to following additional condition. i. The area of 7.7 acres (Originally proposed: 558 acres & Notified land: 550.23 acres) shall be developed with greenbelt. Demarcation of this land with coordinates and progress of greenbelt is to be submitted in the compliance report.
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