OPGC urges state to move Centre for coal block clearance.

Worried over the pending Stage-II forest clearance for Manoharpur coal block linked to its 1320 Mw expansion at its Banharpalli plant near Jharsuguda, Odisha Power Generation Corporation (OPGC) has urged the state government to pursue the matter with the Centre.

The Union ministry of environment & forests (MoEF) had granted Stage-I forest clearance for the block and the state government had submitted compliance to the ministry for grant of Stage-II forest clearance.

Later, the ministry had sought clarification on two points raised by the state government. First, the state government stated that considering the possible longitudinal fragmentation of the existing virgin forest habitat by way of linear allotment of coal blocks, the state government shall ensure not to allot the link up block between Dulanga and Madhupur blocks.

Second, the state government shall also explore feasibility to cancel a few alloted blocks at 5-6 km gap for leaving a sufficient width of corridor for movement of elephant and other animals.

The action was pending with the state steel & mines department.


BS