Report on the validity of EC granted for setting up of thermal power station by the THDC India Limited, at Khurja, district Bulandshahar, Uttar Pradesh, 29/05/2020
Report of the Joint Committee constituted by the National Green Tribunal in Appeal No. 19 of 2017 in the matter of Social Action for Environment and Forest Vs Union of India & Others. The issue for consideration was the validity of Environmental Clearance granted for setting up of thermal power station by the THDC India Limited, at Khurja, District Bulandshahar, State of Uttar Pradesh. The Joint Committee comprised of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi.
The report contained ambient air quality data (AAQ) at four locations around proposed site of Khurja STPP of M/s THDC India Limited. The points for consideration was the correctness of the Ambient Air Quality data furnished by the Project Proponent and relied upon by the Environment Impact Assessment Authority. Further question was the downstream impact on the water which was said to be sourced from upper Gangetic canal.
The Committee said that the higher concentration of PM 2.5 in winter 2020 (January 31- February 04, 2020) could be due to enhanced local activities and weather conditions (low wind, low ambient temperature and domestic fuel burning, particularly in morning hours). "Wind direction at site is from NW to SE and W to E. The nearest Khurja town which is in NW and upwind direction from the proposed project site. NCT of Delhi which is in NW is also in upwind direction from the proposed project site," the report added.
The committee was of opinion that AAQ levels are of dynamic in nature and influenced by the local conditions and climatic conditions which should be considered while comparing EIA data of post monsoon 2012 and summer 2016 of the proposed project and the data collected by the committee.
Note: The report of May 29, 2020 was uploaded to the NGT site on August 4, 2020