In spite of the recommendation of the empowered committee, the Orissa government is yet to clear NTPC Ltd's proposed 3,200-mw Darlipalli integrated thermal power project in Sundergarh district. Instead, the state government has offered to form a JV with NTPC to set up a 2,000-mw thermal power plant in the state.
At a meeting held in February this year, the committee recommended the project to the state government for clearance and constituted a task force headed by the state additional chief secretary to hold discussions with NTPC. During the discussions, however, the two sides could not reach an agreement for setting up the Darlipalli power plant. The state government then proposed setting up a JVC to implement another power project of 2,000 mw in the state. NTPC is currently mulling over the new proposal.
Meanwhile, the Darlipalli power project has been put on hold. The Orissa government has cancelled water supply earmarked for the project and reserved it for the proposed ultra mega power project in the district. The government had given clearance, in principle, for land and water in November 2005 and June 2006, respectively. NTPC has already carried out various site specific studies and investigations, and has initiated the preparation of feasibility report.
The project is expected to be commissioned during the early part of the 12th Plan (2012-17).