(a) whether the National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC) had to
shutdown many of its plants in the country including Orissa due to violation of
norms;
(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise and plant-wise;
(c) whether the NTPC had ordered any enquiry to reveal the reasons for
violating local laws;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the corrective measures taken by the NTPC in this regard?
THE MINI STER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF POWER (SHRI K.C. VENUGOPAL)
(a) & (b): Yes, Madam. NTPC had to shut down four units of 500 MW
capacity each of Talcher Super Thermal Power Station Stage-II, in Orissa owing
to the closure notice served on it by the Orissa State Pollution Control Board
(OSPCB) relating to the issues of environment and ash management.
(c): No Madam.
(d): Does not arise in view of reply at (c) above.
(e): Following the receipt of closure notice, NTPC took up the matter
with OSPCB. An action plan comprising corrective measures is being
implemented by NTPC and monitored by OSPCB. NTPC has been adhering to all
the environmental/pollution control norms existing at the time of
commissioning of the various stages. OSPCB, during various inspections/visits
to the power plant over the years, has suggested various actions relating to
environmental/pollution control norms. Some of these suggestions are under
various stages of implementation by NTPC.