MoEF gives nod to NTPC's Telangana power project.

The Ministry of Environment and Forests has given 'green signal' to a power project being set up by state-owned NTPC in Telangana while it has deferred another project of the PSU in Andhra Pradesh.

The NTPC Limited is presently operating a coal-based 2,600 MW (stage-I, II & III) thermal power station at Ramagundam in Telangana's Karimnagar district and is in the process of expanding it by addition of 2x800 MW.

Based on the information/document provided by the project proponent and clarification provided during detailed discussions held on all issues, the committee under the ministry recommended the project for environmental clearance subject to stipulations of the following additional specific conditions,' the EAC (Expert Appraisal Committee) said in case of Telangana plant.

A senior official of NTPC had earlier said the expansion is part of the 4,000 MW power plant proposed to be set up in Telangana. A 1,600 MW power plant will be set up at the existing location in Ramagundam, while the power producer has sought land from the Telangana government for the rest of the capacity.

'The cost of the expansion project is about Rs. 9,954.20 crore, which includes about Rs. 834.81 crore for environmental protection measures,' the EAC said in the minutes of the meeting.

ET