JSPL's 900 MW CPP in trouble over delayed RoW for water pipeline

Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) has still yet to approve Jindal Steel and Power Limited`s (JSPL) request for the Right of Way (RoW) needed for laying a water pipeline through the villages of Bhalugadia, Pirakhaman and Kankarie in Orissa, which comes under the command area of the coal company. The private company intends to use the conduit to supply water to its 6 MTPA steel and 900 MW power plant located in the Angul district of the state.

JSPL has maintained that it has already entered into an agreement with the Department of Water Resources (DoWR), Government of Orissa, for drawl of water from the river Brahmani and has paid a sum of Rs 1,42,70,000 towards the cost of the same.

Further, since DoWR has allowed drawing of water only from Brahmani for the next season, JSPL is now required to lay the
pipelines at the earliest, the firm has contended. Any further delays may therefore, push the project off schedule.
Claiming that it has already procured all necessary clearances for the implementation of the project and that process of land acquisition and alienation for the remaining areas are in an advanced stage of completion, JSPL has now sought the coal ministry`s intervention for a speedy resolution of the matter.