NAGPUR: The Maharashtra State Power Generation Company Limited (Mahagenco) thermal power stations continue to emit high levels of pollution. Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has taken cognisance and forfeited bank guarantees of five thermal power stations, including three in Nagpur division.
The five thermal power stations are Chandrapur Super Thermal Power Station, Koradi, Khaparkheda, Parli and Nashik thermal power plants. However, MPCB had to grant extension for operation to all five thermal power stations up to August 31, 2015. MPCB officials told TOI that the thermal power stations of Mahagenco cannot be shut down despite causing pollution.
"Power supply to the state depends on Mahagenco's thermal power stations. Therefore, they cannot be given closure notice. MPCB is trying its best to force Mahagenco to improve the condition but nothing much is being done. Therefore, MPCB is forfeiting bank guarantee of the power stations every year," he said.
The official added that MPCB had prepared an action plan for all seven thermal power stations and sent it to them in 2013. "It was expected that Mahagenco will comply with the action plan. However, the thermal power stations have not complied with the action plan," he said.
MPCB has forfeited bank guarantee of 30 lakh of Chandrapur Super Thermal Power Station, 25 lakh of Koradi, 30 lakh of Khaparkheda, 10 lakh of Parli and 50 lakh of Nashik.
Following the action, Mahagenco has requested MPCB not to forfeit the bank guarantees. MPCB's consent appraisal committee headed by environment department principal secretary Ajoy Mehta did not consider Mahagenco's request.
In the meeting on February 24, the committee approved extension for operation to all five thermal power stations up to August 31, 2015. "It was decided to grant renewal of consent without forfeiting more bank guarantee," the committee said, giving separate targets to all plants.
According to MPCB reports, Mahagenco thermal power stations are emitting air pollution and also causing water pollution. Also, the process to dispose off ash is not proper.
In the meeting, MPCB has also issued warning to Ballarpur-based Bilt Graphics Paper Products Ltd situated near Chandrapur for non-compliance of consent to establish and operate conditions. It has been asked to explain why manufacturing activity should not be stopped, consent granted should not be revoked, and bank guarantee not forfeited.
The consent appraisalcommittee has also decided to issue show cause notice and initiate legal action against Suguna Foods Limited situated near Hinganghat in Wardha district.
