Massive Coal Plant in Andhra Pradesh,India faces cancellation due to protests from farmers and fishermen

A huge 2640 MW coal plant has received a major jolt after its environment clearance was rejected by he National Environmental Appellate Authority (NEAA).This plant which is supposed to come up in Srikakulam district in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh.This rejection comes after massive protests organized by local fishermen and farmers whose livelihood is being threatened by the construction of this coal power complex.Around 2 people were killed and 60 injured in police firing when  these  common people were protesting.The plant is being built by Nagarujuna Construction which is one of the well connected powerful industrial groups in Andhra Pradesh.Note the funds,technology and O&M partner for the project have yet to be decided.

Nagarjuna power project plan faces green hurdle – FE

The National Environmental Appellate Authority (NEAA) on Thursday quashed the environmental clearance given to Nagarjuna Construction Company for setting up of a thermal power plant at Sompet, Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh. Further course of action is expected to be decided on the receipt of the certified copy of the judgement from the authorities.The rejection comes a day after two people protesting against the project were killed in police firing. Two persons were killed and over 60 were injured when a large group of farmers and fishermen, protesting against setting up of the power plant, clashed with police in Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday.

India seeing clash between agricultural and industrial interests

India is increasingly seeing a clash between industrial interests and farmers in various projects being built.Numerous instances of such protest and killings have been reported in states of West Bengal,Jharkhand and Orissa.The huge POSCO steel plant has been mired in delays because of protests.The cause of protests range from insufficient compensation,displacement,environment degradation and loss of livelihoods.Mining companies like Vedanta have also come under severe criticism for displacing tribal groups from their ancient sacred lands in their quest for minerals.

Vedanta, Avatar And The Tribal Activists – WSJ

Vedanta Resources is facing the heat from environmental activists, again.The company has borne the brunt of a sustained campaign by U.K.-based tribal rights group Survival International, that has accused it of damaging the livelihood and environment of the 8,000-strong Dongria Kondh tribe, who live in the remote Niyamgiri Hills of India’s eastern province, Orissa.

Its latest offensive is an ad in Variety magazine appealing to James Cameron, director of blockbuster movie Avatar, to pitch in for the Dongria Kondh, as the film’s fictional Na’vi share a lot in common with the Dongri Kondh.Amnesty has now joined the chorus of protests against Vedanta, putting a spotlight on one of India’s biggest metals and mining companies.