Judgment of the National Green Tribunal regarding grant of EC to NLC India for the second expansion of the 2 x 660 MW lignite based plant, Virudhachalam taluk, Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu, 31/05/2022
Judgment of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of P. Sundaravathanam Vs Union of India & Others dated 31/05/2022.
The matter related to grant of Environmental Clearance (EC) in favour of M/s. NLC India Limited for their second expansion of the thermal power plant having a capacity of 2 x 660 MW Super Critical Lignite-based Plant by the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change (MoEF&CC). The appellant has alleged that there was no proper environmental impact assessment conducted as well as no cumulative impact assessment was conducted for this project.
The bench of Justice K. Ramakrishnan of the Southern Zone (Chennai) set aside the appeal and said that the environmental clearance granted to NLC India Limited was not liable to be set aside for any of the reasons given by the appellant.
The project proponent was directed to conduct a health survey in the villages of project area to ascertain the impact of the activities on the health issues by an accredited agency approved by the MoEF&CC and on the basis of the recommendations made by them, they should carry out the recommendations and provide such facilities which are recommended by them to meet the situation and to "remove the apprehensions of the people in that locality."
The NGT asked the project proponent that instead of using Eucalyptus and other species which are not conducive to protect the environment, they should use native plants. Further, the development of greenbelt must be along the boundary with sufficient density and also in three tier so as to avoid emission of dust and other fugitive / toxic emissions going outside the project area so as to affect the air quality in the neighbouring areas, the Judgment of the NGT, May 31, 2022 said.