BANGALORE: The State Government is examining whether it is possible to shift the proposed 4,000 MW mega-power project from the coastal area of Tadadi in Uttara Kannada district to a convenient inland area following serious opposition to the project by people of the district.

"We are looking for alternative sites inland to know if there is a possibility of shifting the project," Principal Secretary to the Energy Department Dilip Rau told reporters in Bangalore on Tuesday after attending a meeting of managing directors of energy supplying companies.

Kaushika, a place near the Hemavathy river in Hassan district, is one of the alternative sites that are being examined, he said. A final decision is yet to be taken.

He explained that the main requirements were adequate availability of water and rail link to transport coal for the thermal project.

"Tadadi was selected as the original location for setting up the thermal project as it has a port to take care of the transportation of coal. If we are shifting the project to an inland area, the thrust should be on the rail link as well as availability of water," Mr. Rau said.

The proposed thermal project in Tadadi is facing severe opposition from environmentalists, local residents, elected representatives and heads of maths in the region. They have expressed concern that the project will harm the rich biodiversity of the region.

Following this, the State Government formed a high-level committee comprising local legislators, environmental activists and experts to look into the apprehensions expressed by residents about the impact of the project. Mr. Rau heads the committee.

Other States act

Barring Karnataka and Maharashtra, where there is opposition from environmentalists, other States that have been sanctioned such mega-power projects have already provided initial clearances for the projects.

The Power Finance Corporation, which is the nodal agency for the development of the project, recently said that it was still awaiting clearance from the Karnataka Government.

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