Locals oppose proposed 3200 Mw ultra mega power plant by NTPC at Gajamara

The proposed 3200 Mw ultra mega power plant by National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) at Gajamara near here has run into rough weather with the locals opposing the project on the ground of losing fertile agricultural land and forest cover.

Irked over the issue of notification under section 4(1) of Orissa Land Acquisition Act for acquisition of land for the project, hundreds of affected people of four panchayats, namely Talabarakoto, Manipur, Saptajajya and Shankarpur held a protest rally here recently demanding scrapping of the project. They submitted a memorandum to the additional district magistrate G.C.Sethi in this regard.

The villagers pointed out that the area identified for the project is highly fertile for paddy and cash crops like cashew nuts and palmoline. The setting up of the power plant would not only affect the livelihood of thousands of farmers, but also have adverse impact on the serene environment there. They criticized the government decision to set up a mega power plant close a major tourist spot at Saptsaajya.

“We do not oppose the power plant, but it should not come up at the identified area which is highly fertile. We cannot think of losing big cashew orchards and vast sal jungle around us for the sake of power plant”, said the sarpanch of Talabarakota, Druba Charan Jena.

He said, there was wide spread resentment among the local people as the district administration has issued the 4 (1) notification without taking them into confidence. "We have clearly told the government to scrap the project and relocate it to somewhere else".

Prasahant Mishra, convener, Zilla Nagarik Manch expressed solidarity with the agitating people and said “People’s opposition to the NTPC plant is legitimate as the project would kill their traditional livelihood and affect green surroundings around the four panchayats. The pent-up anger of the people may lead to a major show down in future if remedial measures are not taken by the government”.

The deputy general manager, NTPC, Gajamara project, C Kumar said “We are aware of the people’s opposition and rally against the proposed project. We will initiate talks with them to sort out the matter”.