NTPC is facing problems in acquiring land required for its 2X800 MW Darlipali supercritical thermal power project in Odisha. Interestingly, the project has secured the stage-I Forest clearance. NTPC so far has received certificate for only 1205 acres out of 1274 acres of private land. Out of 338.97 acres of Government land, payment for 275 acres has been released by NTPC to State Government and transfer of Government land is under process of approval of State Government.
NTPC is also facing problem in developing Dulanga Mines as the forest clearance has not yet been granted for the project. As the proposed Darlipali thermal power station is supposed to get coal linkage from this mine, development of Dulanga mines is crucial for the project. It may be recalled here that the original bidder for turbines, BGR Energy, recently pulled out from Rs. 800 crore supply commitment citing clearance issues. NTPC will have to re-tender for turbines which will only further delay the execution of the project. NTPC has also held back award of Bulk Tender – II due to delay in getting forest clearance and land acquisition issues for the linked coal mine.
NTPC plans to invest Rs. 12,850 crore for the super thermal project. The state government would get half of the electricity generated at the plant, for which the coal linkage has been assured.
