Comments on the proposed amendment to EC of ITPCL, Cuddalore - II

IL&FS Tamil Nadu Power Company Limited (ITPCL), which runs a 1200 MW coal-based power plant in Cuddalore, is seeking to amend its Environmental Clearance (issued in May 2010), to accommodate a change in the nature of coal- from imported Indonesian coal to a blend of indigenous and imported coal in the ratio of 25:75.

While deliberating on the proposal, the Expert Appraisal Committee for thermal power pulled up the power company for operating in violation of its Environmental Clearance and asked the company to undertake mitigation activities and submit a compliance report.

With the project being discussed in the next EAC meeting in January 2019, CAG presented its observations on the violations by ITPCL and status of implementation of mitigation measures. Finding the measures adopted half-hearted and inadequate, we urge the Committee to undertake a site visit.