State's support sought for land acquisition for NTPC's Darlipali-I STPP

NTPC has sought the support of the Orissa government to acquire the land needed for the Stage-I of its 1600 MW super thermal power project (STPP) in Daripali. Apparently, the Gram Sabha Panchayat of the Daripali village is standing in the way of the 2800 acres needed by NTPC, the application for which has already been submitted to the District authorities.

• The project is seeing good progress on the other fronts, however. All site specific studies, including topographical surveys, geo-tech surveys, seismic, and geological mapping studies have been concluded. Apart from that, environment impact assessment (EIA) studies have also been completed. 
• Further, NOC from Airport Authority of India (AAI) and defence clearance for the project has been received. Suitable arrangements for fuel and water have been made-- while fuel requirement will be met from Dulanga and Pakri-Barwadh captive coal blocks of NTPC, in-principle commitment for 160 cusecs of water is available from the Government of Orissa.
• The Dariplali STPP envisages the construction of two power units of 800 MW, each, in the Sundergarh district of Orissa.