Odisha nudges MoEF for wildlife nod to KVK Nilachal's project.

The Odisha government has urged the Union Ministry of Environment & Forests (MoEF) to place the proposal of KVK Nilachal Power Ltd. for grant of wildlife clearance to its 1,050 MW coal-fired plant in the state.

KVK Nilachal Power Ltd had proposed 1,050 MW power station at Athagarh in Cuttack district. Since the project site fell within 10 km of the Kapilash wildlife sanctuary, it needed the go-ahead from the National Board of Wildlife (NBW).

'The Odisha government, after having considered all aspects of the project, has been pleased to accept the recommendations of the State Board of Wildlife (SBW) for recommending the proposal for establishment of 1,050 Mw thermal power plant to the NBW. It is therefore requested that the proposal may kindly be placed before the standing committee of NBW for their consideration and approval,' Debabrata Swain, special secretary (forest & environment), Odisha said in a letter to the inspector general of forests (wildlife), MoEF.

BS