Talcher: With the NTPC’s 460 MW Talcher Thermal Power Station (TTPS) facing closure threat for failing to fulfil the environmental conditions, apprehension of loss of livelihood is rising among its staff and workers.
The 52-year-old power plant was served an ultimatum by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) that if it fails to upgrade and meet the emission norms, the plant will be closed from December 31 this year. Besides, the permission granted by the State Pollution Control Board to the plant is set to expire in March next year.
With a few days left for the end of the environment clearance validity and no concrete steps by the State government to revamp the plant, employees fear the shutdown of the plant will adversely affect their livelihood.
Binod Bihari Nayak, a TTPS employee, said, “We will face countless problems if the TTPS closes down. Workers will be forced to immolate themselves with their family members in future if the plant is not revived.”
In 2018, a decision was taken to upgrade the existing plant with two new ones of 660 MW each. However, the proposed upgradation work is yet to see the light of the day due to alleged delay on part of the State government.
Ajay Kumar Samal, a worker, said, “If the operation of the old plant is extended for three to four years and the new plant is set up within that period, the locals, contractual and regular employees will immensely benefit.”
Established in the year 1968, the current expenses of the plant exceed its revenue. Besides, its pollution level is also increasing. If the plant is closed instead of upgradation, 1700 to 1800 people will lose their source of living.
Bibhuti Bhusan Parida, vice-president of NTPC-TTPS labour organisation said, “If the plant is shut down, about hundreds of workers who are directly employed here will lose their jobs. On the other hand, the residents of surrounding villages will also be affected badly.”
As per Anup Kumar Mallick, regional officer State Pollution Control Board, “The plant authorities have already applied for renewal of the environment clearance which is due for expiry on December 31. It may be extended as the decision will be taken by the Centre.”
On September 22, 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was scheduled to lay the foundation stone for the 1320 MW project to be commission at a cost of 10,000 crore. However, it was suspended due to some issues on power tariff and employment issue.
In this backdrop, Ramchandra Khuntia, senior Congress leader, said, “It is a planned conspiracy of the Centre to close down the plant and sell it to a private company.
Kalindi Samal, general secretary of State BJP however said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi had sanctioned Rs 10,000 crore for the revival of the plant. But the delay on part of the State government is responsible for the current situation."
Mahesh Sahu, Dhenkanal MP, “We had staged dharna in front of the plant demanding a clarification on the fate of the plant. There are possibilities of mass agitation by Talcher residents in future if a decision is not taken in this regard soon.”
(Edited By Suryakant Jena)