(KRISHNAPATNAM) NELLORE: The public hearing on the proposed Krishnapatnam Ultra Mega Power Project of 4,000 MW being set up here ran into rough weather with a section of locals and some political parties taking objections to the package announced for the acquired lands and the measures aimed at addressing problems pertaining to pollution.

Upping the ante against the project, Jana Vignana Vedika (JVV) representatives sought to know as to what was the need to go for thermal power in the wake of resentment across the globe against coal-based power plants.

"The authorities should explore other modes of power generation or at least take suitable measures to address environmental problems."

JVV representatives wanted installation of de-salination plant near the project to meet water requirements of the plant before beginning the works. Moreover, the Rapid Environment Impact Assessment (REIA) study has not paid much attention to particulate matter (PM) emission of all plants, which should not exceed 50 mg/ NM3.

Threat to environment

Emission of PM of 10 microns and fine particulates including ash, soot and carbon compounds, acid condensates, sulphates and nitrates, cadmium and other metals, fine particulates including sulphates and nitrates from the proposed thermal power plant could pose environmental problems.

And there was no mention in the REIA study of how mercury-related pollution, which could affect pregnant mothers, and how the thermal heat generated and emissions would play their part in destroying the ozone layer.

The JVV proposed a committee comprising eminent environmentalists to visit the place and assess the REIA once again with its recommendations at the public hearing here on Saturday.

Compensation package

Echoing similar views, Communist Party of India (Marxist) senior leader T. P. Bhanu Raju demanded that the authorities pay Rs. 15 lakhs per acre to patta, assigned, d-form and Government lands.

Besides agricultural labour, who would be losing their employment due to this project, should be paid the minimum wages of Rs. 80,000 for 1,000 working days.

And the maintenance of ash ponds should strictly adhere to the norms of Pollution Control Board, he said.

Hundreds of local people, representatives of Communist Party of India (CPI), Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and other parties attended the public hearing.

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