(a) whether the Government of Gujarat and NTPC have signed an MoU for setting up of
1000 MW Power Project at Pipavav in joint venture;
(b) if so, the present status of the project;
(c) whether the project is held up due to non-allotment of Coal Mining Block to NTPC by
the Ministry of Coal;
(d) if so, the reasons for delay in allocation of the Coal Mining Block to NTPC; and
(e) the time by which the Coal Mining Block is likely to be allotted to NTPC?
THE MINISTER OF POWER ( SHRI SUSHILKUMAR SHINDE )
(a) & (b) : An MoU was signed among NTPC Ltd., Gujarat Power Corporation Ltd.
(GPCL) and Gujarat Electricity Board on 20.02.2004 for development of a 1000 MW thermal
power project at Pipavav in Joint Venture with GPCL. Basic inputs for the project were tied-
up and most of site specific studies were completed.
However, in September 2006, Government of Gujarat conveyed its decision
that the project would be developed based on imported coal or any other suitable fuel in
collaboration with a strategic partner. Accordingly, NTPC Ltd. has been allowed by the
Government to dissociate from the project.
(c) to (e) : Do not arise in view of the reply to (a) & (b) above.