BL reported that several major power projects are coming up in Srikakulam district, with a total capacity of 10,000 MW and a projected investment of INR 50,000 crore in the next few years, and the activity is bound to give a major boost to the development of the district.

But there are also concerns expressed by environmentalists that these projects may result in damage to the fragile coastal environs and large-scale pollution.

According to Dr T Patanjali Sastry, of the Centre for Environment, it is a matter of great concern that so many thermal stations are being set up in the Srikakulam district, without any consideration of the environment.

He said that “Some of the projects are in the Naupada swamps, which is a recognized wetland. In contravention of the policy of the Union Government to conserve creeks and wetlands, permission is being given to such plants.”

The Hyderabad-based Forum for Sustainable Development headed by Capt J Rama Rao, filed a petition in the Andhra Pradesh High Court against the thermal power plant in Santabommali mandal, stating that the Naupada swamps, wetlands and creeks in the neighborhood are at risk due to the thermal plant.

The division bench issued an order on Tuesday, staying construction activity at the plant site for three weeks and asking the State Government to clarify on the matter.

Dr Sastry appealed to the State Government to reconsider the decision on according permission to the thermal plants in view of the large-scale environmental degradation likely to ensue.

East Coast Energy Private Ltd is setting up a thermal plant with a capacity of 2,640 MW at Kakarapalle village in Santabommali mandal of the district.

NCC Power Projects Private Ltd, with a capacity of 2,500 MW, is being set up in the Sompeta mandal.

AP Genco is establishing a 2,500 MW thermal plant in the Icchapurma region and Sri Surya Chakra Power Corporation and other companies are also setting up power projects.

(Sourced from Business Line)