Odisha CM Seeks Coal Blocks For OTPCL, OPGC

NEW DELHI/BHUBANESWAR: Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to arrange alternate coal block for Odisha Thermal Power Corporation Ltd (OTPCL), which is setting up a thermal power plant at Kamakshyanagar in Dhenkanal district.

The chief minister sought to allocate Baitarani East coal block to OTPCL instead of Tentuloi coal block citing that it would not be financially viable to explore the mines.

OTPCL, a joint venture company of two state government undertakings, is establishing a 3200 Mw (4X800 Mw) coal-based super critical thermal power plant at Kamakshyanagar.

The chief minister also raised the demand for allocation of two coal blocks to Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC).

He also raised bridge linkage to OPGC for its expanded power plant at Jharsuguda.

The chief minister also sought to expedite bidding process for the ultra mega power project at Vedabahal in Sundargrh district.

He also reiterated his demand before the prime minister to accord permission for taking up compensatory afforestation in degraded lands and increase clean environment cess funds.

“Happy with meeting @PMOIndia, hopeful about positive outcomes that will have significant impact on development of #Odisha,” tweeted the Chief Minister after meeting Modi.