Green Tribunal upholds clearance to OPG Power Plant

New Delhi/Ahmedabad, Feb 18 (IBNS): The National Green Tribunal has upheld the environmental clearance and coastal regulation clearance granted to OPG Power Gujarat Pvt Ltd's 300 MW thermal power plant at Bhadreshwar in Gujarat.

These clearances had been challenged by certain individuals, said the company on Saturday.

"An application seeking to quash the clearances on the ground that, forest clearance is required for the passage of the seawater pipeline of a short length of less than 1 km through forest land, has also been disposed with a direction to the forest authorities to consider the company's application within two months," said the company in a statement.

Earlier the Tribunal had refused to stay work on the non-forest land while the forest clearance was being processed.

The company has been advised by its lawyers that there is no impediment in carrying on with the construction/commissioning of the project so long as it adheres to the terms of the Environment Clearance.

"Contrary to reports that appeared in some sections of the press, the company has not been restrained from construction of the plant," said the statement. "The company therefore will implement the project strictly adhering to the conditions of the clearances and as per the directions of the Tribunal."

"The company is happy that its stand that the OPG plant has the most rigorous conditions has been vindicated," said Arvind Gupta, MD, OPG Group.

OPG Power Gujarat has amongst the strictest environmental conditions in the country.

The EC issued by the Gujarat Government has 129 conditions and in addition the CRZ clearance issued by the Ministry of Environment and Forests has a further 27 conditions.

All these conditions ensure that all environmental safeguards are in place and that no harm can take place to the environment or to the local population from this project.

"OPG has committed to spend Rs. 108 crores for various environmental activities and for CSR purposes in the surrounding areas. All incorrect statements and reports have only been released by people with vested interests in order to create prejudice in the minds of the local population and stake holders of the project like vendors etc," said the statement.

OPG Power Gujarat Private Limited, a subsidiary of OPG Power Ventures Plc listed on the London Stock Exchange, is setting up a 2 X 150 MW coal based power plant in Kutch, State of Gujarat.

The estimated cost of the Project is in excess of Rs.1600 crores. The Gujarat Government, being satisfied that the proposed power project will not cause any adverse environmental impact on the local area, granted environmental clearance on 11th June, 2010.

CRZ Clearance was granted to the Company by the Expert Appraisal Committee vide letter dated 16th September, 2010.