The Hindu Business Line : AP seeks environmental nod for irrigation, power projects

Hyderabad, June 7 The Andhra Pradesh Government has urged the Central Government to accord early clearance for several of its pending irrigation and power projects.

The Chief Minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, held discussions with the Union Minister of Forests and Environment, Mr Jairam Ramesh, on some major projects that the State was keen to expedite.

In the case of AP Genco, the Government sought clearance for the construction of weir downstream of Srisailam dam to impound one TMC feet of water to operate six units of 150 MW each (900 MW) in pump mode. This will be useful for power generation during peak hours.

The AP Genco is also seeking clearance for the 4,000 MW Vodarevu thermal power project (5x800 MW), Dummugudem hydro electric scheme (6x52 MW), Singareddypally hydro electric scheme (5x40 MW) and the 2,400 MW Krishnapatnam coal project (3x800 MW).

The State Government requested the Ministry of Forests and Environment to permit cement units and power stations to sell fly ash at market price. This facility is valid up to September 2009 and the State wants this to be continued.

The Ministry was petitioned to allow diversion of 87.18 hectares of forestland for the Indira Sagar lift irrigation scheme, which has been cleared by several Central agencies and Supreme Court of India, and is now awaiting approval.

The proposal to divert 12.54 hectare of forest land under the Komaram-Bheem Project, and another forest tract of 2558 hectares for Poola Subbiah-Veligonda project are awaiting Ministry’s clearance.

Matters relating to the Somasila project, Palar minor irrigation project and Peddapolupalli canal were also discussed with the Union Minister.

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