PROCEEDINGS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PUBLIC HEARING IN CONNECTION
WITH THE PROPOSED SETTING UP OF CAPTIVE POWER PLANT OF M/S THE
INDIA CEMENTS LIMITED, WADAPALLI (V), DAMARACHERLA (M), NALGONDA
DISTRICT HELD ON 18.08.2011 FROM 10.30 AM AT GRAM PANCHAYAT OFFICE,
WADAPALLI (V).
The following Panel Members were present:
Sl.No.
Name of the Panel Member
1)
Smt. Neetu Prasad, I.A.S
Joint Collector & Addl.
Magistrate, Nalgonda
2)
Shri M V N. Prasad,
Environmental Engineer,
AP. Pollution Control Board,
Regional Office, Nalgonda
Department
Representative of the Collector & Dist.
Dist. Magistrate, Nalgonda
Representative
Control Board
of
the
State
Pollution
The following Departmental Officials took part in the hearing:
Sl.No.
Name & Designation of the Official
1)
Shri Sanjeeva Reddy, Revenue Divisional Officer, Miryalaguda
2)
Shri M. Yadaiah, Asst. Director, Dist. Industries Centre, Nalgonda
3)
Smt. Vijaya Kumari, Tehsildar, Damaracherla
4)
Shri B. Bhikshapathi, Asst. Environmental Engineer, APPCB, RO, Nalgonda
The following representatives of the Industry were present:
Sl. No.
Name & Designation
1)
Shri D. Muruganandam, Sr. Vice President (Mfg)
2)
Shri I. Gopinath, Vice President (Corporate Affairs)
3)
Shri R. Nagi Reddy, Chief Manager (HR)
4)
Shri B.S. Chandra Murthy, M/s B.S. Envi-tech (P) Ltd., Hyderabad
At the outset, the Environmental Engineer, APPCB, Regional Office, Nalgonda, while
welcoming the public and the chairman explained briefly the salient features of the Ministry
of Environment and Forests, Government of India’s Notification No. S.O. 1533 dated 14th
September 2006. He informed that the press notification was published in Andhra Jyothi
and The Hindu on 16-07-2011 pertaining to the present public hearing. The notification
invited public suggestions, concerns, comments and objections, if any, on the proposed
establishment of a 55-MW Captive Thermal Power Plant of M/s The India Cements Ltd., to
be located at Wadapalli (V), Damaracherla (M) in Nalgonda District. The programme was
being conducted as part of obtaining necessary environmental clearance under the
provisions of EIA Notification. He stated that the establishment of thermal power unit has
been included in the schedule of the notification for which the public hearing made
mandatory.
He then requested the Joint Collector, who was deputed by the District
Collector, Nalgonda to preside over the public hearing process.
The Joint Collector – Nalgonda requested the management of the industry to
explain in detail, the salient features of the proposed thermal power project and its
summery EIA report.
Shri B.S. Chandra Murthy, M/s. B.S. Envi – Tech (P) Ltd., Hyderabad stated
that M/s The India Cements Ltd., established some three decades ago, was operating a 3.5
million tonnes per annum cement plant. The industry was meeting limestone requirement
from its captive limestone mine located adjacent to the plant site. The consultancy prepared
environment impact assessment report and submitted the study report to the Ministry as
terms of reference for its prior approval. The ministry in turn asked them to go for public
consultation. He added that infrastructure development brought a remarkable growth in the
cement and allied industries. The availability of limestone resources in the area mooted
establishing several cement industries. There was tremendous scope for utilization of rich
mineral deposits. The industry proposed to install a captive power plant of 55-MW in the
cement plant campus over an extent of 4.5 hectors of their own lands in order to avoid
erratic and unreliable power supply. It would also result in reduction of production losses.
The surplus power after catering to the cement plant needs would be supplied through
Transco grid for captive use of the other plants of the firm. The cement plant owned 133
hectors of land, in which 4.5 hectors was allocated for this thermal plant. Unlike the
conventional thermal plants, it was a marginal industry. The captive power plant would be
coal-based one with high pressure circulating fluidised bed combustion boiler with steam
turbo generator. The coal consumption was estimated to be about 1080 tonnes per day.
The coal would be either indigenous or blend of 70% indigenous coal and 30% imported
coal. The estimated cost of the project was around Rs.250 crore, of which Rs.25 crore
would be incurred towards implementation of environmental management plan.
He also enumerated the environmental impacts due to the proposed establishment
as they conducted a study over 10-km radius. The study included from Ambient Air Quality
Monitoring in the core & the buffer zone, collecting surface & ground water samples and
noise & soil monitoring and the River Krishna samples that were found to be well within the
stipulated limits.
The fresh water requirement of the project would be about 510 KLD in their
permitted quantity. An effluent treatment plant would be constructed to use the treated
water for dust suppression, green belt development, ash conditioning. The water treatment
would bring reduction in fresh water consumption in the cement plant. There would be no
water pollution. The machinery would be designed to meet the statutory standards of the
noise environment. As part of pollution abatement measures, it is proposed to arrange
water-sprinkling systems at various dust emanating sources, haulage roads including up
keep of transport vehicles by using a part of wastewater. The industry would install electro
static precipitator to the boiler of 1X125 tph for de-dusting the flue gas, which would be
designed for less than 50 mg/Nm3. A tall stack of height 110 m comprising of bi-flues would
be erected for better dispersion of gases.
The fly ash and bottom ash collected in the ESP hoppers would be conveyed
fine/coarse ash silos for cement production.
The industry was developing rainwater
harvesting structure pits to improve ground water table in the area. Extensive green belt
would be developed to act as pollution sink and to supplement the existing plantation. The
noise levels were within the stipulated levels and would be maintained in future too. Noise
insulation / padding would be installed where ever practicable by addition of silencers.
There were some 450 employees in the cement plant. The proposed power plant would
generate direct employment for 50 persons apart from creating ancillary benefits. He further
added that a final report would be submitted to the Ministry incorporating the public
concerns raised during the hearing. The industry would introduce latest pollution control
technology and adhere to the standards stipulated by the CPCB on a par with the cement
industry. The management was doing several socio-economic welfare activities in the
vicinity. He expected that the industry would maintain the same tempo in future.
Shri R. Nagi Reddy, Chief Manager (HR), M/s The India Cements Limited
gave an account of welfare measures taken up by the management. He stated that the
cement plant was one of the largest cement producers in South India. The industry was
incepted in the year 1980. It has provided maximum employment to the local people either
by direct or indirect. It also involved in socio-economic development of the area. He listed
their activities such as contribution to lift irrigation scheme, canal de-silting, community
workshops, vocational training courses, laying cc roads, provision of water facility etc. in
surrounding villages.
The Joint Collector, Nalgonda requested the public to elicit their views,
suggestions and objections if any on the proposed scheme. He stated that each and every
person gathered at the venue would be granted the opportunity to seek information or
clarification on the project from the proponent. The programme was being conducted in a
transparent manner.The proceedings along with video-graphy would be forwarded to
higher-ups for further course of action.
Shri Kamepally Ramreddy, ex-Sarpanch, Wadapalli recalled the then situation
of the industry. Late Shri B. V. Raju mooted the cement plant and acquired their lands at
meager amounts through government. Some of the land losers were given employment.
The industry failed to implement directives of Lok Adalat, they were grieved with. The
pollution emitting by the cement plant was causing crop damages. The ayacut was at the
receiving end. They were cultivating against all odds but the procurement was much lower
than the market price. He vehemently stated that the agriculture sector was in jeopardy.
Due to poor financial plight farmers, the area turned to be backward. He disputed with the
socio-economic welfare claimed by the management. He further stated that the spent acid
utilized with gypsum was causing high odor emissions. The people were suffering ill health
and the hospital services were also not satisfactory. The power plant location was nearer to
their agricultural lands. Commissioning of the power plant would not only aggravate the
already existing problem, but would also ruin the agriculture activity. He also complained
against their high handedness. He requested to consider relocation of the power plant.
Shri Marella Ramireddy, R/o Wadappalli stated that they met officials
concerned to appraise their case against the power plant. Nothing specific was done so far.
Though he was thanking the erstwhile management but lamented against the present
management. There was no localized employment despite some 42 B. Tech unemployed
youth were existing. Since their agriculture yield was being affected, they were struggling
hard to eke out a living. The cotton crop was bitterly impacted because of emissions by the
cement plants. The power plant was proposed nearer to his fertile land. He expressed fear
that the project would add emissions significantly and cause further damage to the
agriculture. He requested the officials to immediately visit the area to witness the discolored
yield. He appealed to render him justice. He strongly objected to the proposed scheme.
Shri Anneboina Thirupathaiah, R/o Wadapalli opposed to the power plant for
pollution it would generate. They were already affected by the dust released by the cement
factory. He urged the officials to relocate the thermal plant somewhere on barren lands.
The Joint Collector requested the gathering to be specific to the subject and
speak over the power plant. There should be point wise description.
Shri Vankayala Laxamaiah Guptha, R/o Wadapalli asked some section of the
people why you were opposing the plant. He acknowledged that the management was
carrying out socio-economic development activities. He requested to elicit concerns on the
farmers. The proposed power plant should take necessary steps to curb health problems.
Shri Vankayala Saidaiah, R/o Wadapalli showed samples of their farm produce
that was affected by the pollution. He stated that the power plant was proposed adjacent to
their farm land. He complained against the harsh attitude of the management. Though he
was agitating against the thermal plant, the management was unilaterally trying to get
statutory permissions. He strongly criticized the measure describing it as an escape route.
The power plant should be located on the land far away from the agriculture fields and in
the campus of M/s. India Cement Ltd. They have got barren lands within the campus,
which is undisputed. The present management of the Cement plant was resorting to internal
scuffle and was showing discrimination. It did not provide employment to the local people.
He submitted a representation over the demography of the proposed of the proposed site.
He also requested the Joint Collector to visit the place to take stock of the situation. He
opposed the proposed scheme vehemently and threatened of fast-unto-death if denied
justice.
Shri Annapu Reddy Sridhar Reddy, R/o Wadapalli stated that the spent acid
using by the industry was emanating foul odor. There were also health hazards. He
anticipated that people in the said villages would face adverse effects if the 55-MW power
plant was permitted. He wanted to get guarantee over the thermal plant as it was claiming
adoption of super-critical technology. Though complaints had been lodged time and again,
the management made no attempt to control the pollution levels. He requested to look into
the 68 acre mining lease granted to the industry. Their lands existed nearer to the proposed
site. The samples of farm produce were invigorating the pollution impact. He opposed to the
proposed scheme.
Shri Konakanchi Satyanarayana, R/o TV Gudem stated that the management
did not implement the commitments given during earlier public hearings. At the time of
inception their lands were acquired at cheaper costs. They were not even provided
employment. Their agriculture activity was hampered by the pollution. There was no
qualitative cotton crop, red chilli. The proposed site was a fertile land. They were subjecting
to hardships due to the cement plant. He complained that the area became drought-prone.
The people were denied of livelihood. The mining activity also flouted the regulatory norms.
He sought to know why it cannot be established yet barren lands, which is owned by the
company and situated far away from the agriculture land and existed in the campus of
M/s.India Cement Ltd.
He requested the Joint Collector to understand the various
problems faced by the people and render justice.
Shri Venkata Narsimsha Reddy, R/o Wadapalli disputed with the management
claim on 100% pollution control. He bitterly complained against the already prevailed
polluted atmposphere. He objected to the proposal and requested to change the location.
Shri A. Shriram Reddy, R/o Wadappalli stated that there were several demerits
in the power plant. That was the reason for their opposition. He wanted to know what the
management did for the local community. The management did not implement the pollution
control norms. It had not compensated to the losers and victims. He demanded rectification
even now. The power plant location should not be a fertile one.
Shri G. Veerababu, Ex-Sarpanch, Damarcherla complained against the injustice
meted out to the weaker sections. He requested to render them justice. The industry did
not provide suitable employment to the local people. Their SC/ST youth should be prioritized
in job opportunities as there were several skilled youth. He requested the people to be
cautious and not to fall in false propaganda over the industry.
Shri A. Anjaneyulu, Ex-MPTC Member, Wadapalli stated that the industry
should not cause adverse impacts. He complimented that the management was doing
welfare activities. There should be accelerated growth. He requested to provide maximum
employment in the power plant and to give top priority to the environment protection.
Shri P. Kiran Kumar, R/o TV Gudem stated that the management did not keep
its promises. The weaker sections were denied access to employment. Some of the
opportunistic leaders were using them as pawns for their own mileage. He demanded that
the land losers and affected people be properly compensated. He complained against the
management attitude. He sought to know whether the affected persons were taken into
confidence. He requested to involve them in the development process. He admitted that
they would have no objection if the power plant implements statutory guidelines.
Shri Y. Ranga, R/o Wadapalli stated that their borewells were adversely affected
due to the pollution. He wanted the officials to see the borewell of grampanchayath. The
proposal should not be taken up under any circumstances. He strongly opposed to the
power plant.
Shri Basheer, R/o Wadapalli complained with epitome frequency that his land
and borewell got polluted. There were also some health hazards. He requested not to
consider the proposal and opposed to that.
Shri Mohd. Saleem, Ex-MPTC Member, Wadapalli requested the management
to rectify the situation in pockets. Adequate amount has to be paid to the owners of the
disputed land. The power plant needed to be taken up subject to satisfaction of the people.
He requested to take every care to avert adverse effects.
Shri Mohd. Haneef, R/o Wadapalli stated that the management should consider
all aspects and take suitable action. They should provide employment to eligible local
people.
Shri G. Kashaiah, R/o Irkigudem stated that the management was taking up
some development works. He requested to provide maximum employment to local persons.
He attributed the main opposition to non-provision of employment. He further requested to
take appropriate pollution control measures.
Shri L. V. Satyanarayana, Ex-Sarpanch, Wadapalli stressed the need for the
industrialization as it would give required support to rural economy. The management
should
adopt
moderate pollution-control machinery to
avoid
problems. He also
acknowledged the development done by the industry. He complained that the local
employment was meager. The management should give top priority to local people in job
opportunities. He appealed to consider the grievances of weaker sections and scrutinize the
records of Inam lands. The lands should be procured at the rates on consensus. There were
numerous negotiations to sort out the issue. He urged the management to be generous
towards their problems.
Shri G. Lakshmikantha Guptha, Ex-Sarpanch, Wadapalli requested the
Officials to consider the views expressed by the people. The weaker sections should be
given employment. He stated that the people were using the forum to express other issues
rather than environment. He also sold some 30-acre land to the industry. There was some
change by its existence. The management should scrupulously implement all the technical
commitments. He wanted peaceful atmosphere to be prevailed to address their concerns.
The project was necessary at the time of huge gap between supply and demand. The power
plant should attain a pollution-free environment. Since it was a captive power plant, they
have no problem. They would object if the management failed to abide by the norms. He
extended support to sort out the disputes. People would have no objection if sophisticated
machinery was involved.
Shri Nagur Meera, R/o Damaracherla stated that the management should take
all precautionary measures to avoid pollution. He contended that poverty was the prime
contributing factor to the said opposition. The management should extend liberal support to
welfare activities. He further stated that the power plant should be promoted cautiously.
Shri P. Guruswamy, R/o, Irkigudem thanked the management for providing
certain facilities in the area. He appealed to take all safety measures in the proposed
project. He sought help for welfare of the backward villages. Their skilled youth should be
considered in job opportunities. The proposed project should be welcomed subject to
implementation of pollution control guidelines.
Shri L. Sathaih, R/o Irkigudem requested the officials to consider their views.
The power plant should not pose negative impacts on the vicinity. He further requested the
management to take all precautionary measures.
Shri V. Guravaiah, R/o Wadapalli stated that the establishment of the cement
factory turned the farmers into laborers. Though the company was getting high profits, their
support was only for eye wash. The cement plant pollution caused harm to health
conditions. He opposed to the power plant.
Shri B. Chandraiah, R/o Wadapalli requested to provide them employment.
Shri Moulana, R/o Wadapalli bitterly complained against the pollution caused to
the farm-lands. He requested to promote the power plant subject to adherence to the
statutory norms. There should not be any damage to the agri-sector. He submitted a
representation and sought justice.
Shri Veera Koti Reddy, Ex-MPTC, Damaracherla requested to take the farmers
concerns into account. The management should provide maximum local employment. The
disputes with the Inam lands and 66-acre mining land issues should be properly dealt with.
He requested to adopt moderate technology in order to protect environment.
Shri S. Saidi Reddy, R/o Damaracherla favoured two-pronged strategy in
welcoming industries. The management should create awareness about the thermal plant
and remove their apprehensions. The problems expressed by the people should be
considered. He enumerated the major problems such as crop damage, local employment,
Inam lands, and compensation. He appealed to the management to take them into
confidence to sort out all the problems. He also requested to provide maximum local
employment. He cautiously welcomed the project.
Shri K. Saidulu, R/o Wadapalli stated that the programme venue could not
accommodate more gathering. Justice should be prevailed over the grievances of Inam
lands. Many of the employees were facing problems with meager salaries and harsh working
conditions. The grampanchayath did not issue clearance in its meeting on 30-9-2010. He
submitted a copy of the same for attention. He opposed to the power plant.
Shri Mohd. Yousuf, R/o Wadapalli complimented the erstwhile management for
providing employment irrespective of skills. People had no grievances then even though
there was pollution. After ICL took it over some 17 year ago, there was less local
employment. Though the pollution was somehow controlled, people were concerned to
livelihood. The company possessed maximum extent of land unlike other industries. There
were also certain land disputes. He requested to look into the Inam lands issue and render
them justice. The company should reciprocate to the support of the people. He requested to
provide employment to the eligible local people. He further requested to sanction the
requisite permission to the power plant.
Shri Ch. Saidaiah, R/o Wadappalli he requested the officials to consider the
views expressed and take suitable action.
Shri Narsimha Reddy, R/o Wadapalli stated that the management should solve
the problems expressed by the people. He pointed out the necessity of power plants. The
people were not against the proposed scheme. He requested to address the concerns of the
farmers.
Shri D. Skylab Naik, R/o Kondrapolu bitterly complained against the Cement
factory. He apprehended that the proposed power plant would emanate high dust
emissions. Experts and scientists were vouching against the thermal plants because of their
pollution intensity. He demanded the management rectify the damage caused.
Smt. Sundaramma, R/o Wadapalli stated that the survey numbers 406 & 407 of
the proposed site were Inam lands, which they possessed actually and is in control of
Cement factory now. She opposed to the proposed power plant. She wanted to get justice.
Smt. Deenamma, R/o Wadapalli appealed to solve their Inam lands issue. The
SC community was denied access to development. She requested the Joint Collector to take
necessary action.
Shri Chandrasekhar Reddy, Advocate, Damaracherla complained that the
industry did not implement its commitments. There was no local employment. The proposed
site location survey number 407 should be thoroughly examined. There could be high
pollution levels. The spent acid was being stored in tubs that was causing foul odor. The
pollution brought in health hazards. He filed a suit against the pollution of the company in
2006 before Lok Adalat. The court had also accordingly issued directives, but the company
so far had not paid heed to it. The companies were responsible for the crop damages. He
wanted to know how the company could take their lands without their consent. He
requested the Joint Collector to visit the site. He also complained against a sick unit M/s
Deccan Chromates where bulk hazardous waste was still existed. It also caused ground
water pollution. He further requested to clear the hazardous material at the earliest.
Shri K. Nagu Naik, Ex- MPTC Member, Ganeshapahad supported the proposed
power plant as it would bring in socio-economic benefits.
He appealed to facilitate job
opportunities for all eligible people. He requested to look into the Inam lands issue. He
expressed optimism about clinching agreement with the management and implementing the
commitments. The power plant should adhere to pollution control.
Shri Khaleel, R/o Wadapalli stated that they would have no objection if all
appropriate measures were taken. He added that industrialisation would improve living
standards of the area.
Shri B. Bhaskara Rao, Sarpanch, Wadapalli requested to redress the grievances
of the weaker sections. The youth from SC community should be prioritized in job
opportunities. He requested the management to facilitate livelihood options.
Shri K. Shankar Naik, Ex-President, MPP, Damaracherla requested to solve
the Inam lands issue immediately. The proposed industry should take every care to avert
pollution levels. He demanded speedy distribution of the compensation package. The
proposal that was made for devising on-the-job training programme should also be
considered. He further sought firm assurance from the management. They would have no
objection subject to implementation of all the control measures.
Shri D. Muruganandam, Sr. Vice President, M/s The India Cement Ltd.,
claimed that the company was one of the very few units in the country where the waste
heat recovery power plant was installed. They had to face several technical problems due to
power break downs. The 55-MW captive power plant was necessitated on account to tide
over the erratic and interrupted power supply. It would also result in reduction of production
losses. The fly ash generated in the power plant would be utilised in the cement plant in
consonance with the CPCB guidelines. Unlike the conventional thermal power plants like
VTPS, NTPC, it was a smaller one. It would come up in own land. He added that the
company adopted online monitoring system to make public the emission levels for better
transparency. They proposed to adopt sophisticated pollution control machinery and were
trying to create awareness about the merits of the thermal plant. He deplored the
contention against the captive power plants. He enumerated that remarkable progress in
science & technology bought reduction in manpower requirement. He, in clarifying to the
apprehensions, stated that the industry has been prioritising local eligible person in job
opportunities. The adequate employment would be generated subject to the execution of
the project. The management facilitated drinking water and extended support for various
development measures.
He assured that the management would take all measures for
strengthening public relations in order to ensure the basic problems were solved. The
management was concerned and would redress the grievances. He promised that there
would be no pollution generation since it would introduce latest technology and adhere to
the statutory norms. He also sought continued support from the people. He also informed
that all ryots whose lands are being affected due to proximity of proposed power plant are
being consulted and appropriate measures given for compensating them.
The Joint Collector, Nalgonda summarised the views expressed. The majority
opinion was on Inam lands issue, local employment, compensation, environment protection
in power plant. She added that the government was going to introduce significant changes
in the proposed land acquisition law. The changes would include modification in the
definition of public purpose and imposing different rehabilitation and resettlement
obligations. The land looser should be given land, amenities and employment. She
requested to take the stake holders into confidence and redress their grievances. She
cautioned against preferring locals for only unskilled jobs. Instead the company should
impart technical skills and train them to suit to the industrial requirements. As the jobs
requirement demand has come up from every section of the public, M/s. India Cement Ltd.,
must and compulsorily employ local youth for all the unskilled jobs in the proposed power
plant. For skilled jobs, they should provide training to the youth and employ them.
As a section of people, whose land is adjoining the power plant, strongly objected
for the installation of power plant nearby their field on account of decrease and less quality
of yield due to pollution. They requested to change the site and since M/s. India Cement
Ltd., has got barren land within their campus, which is away from agriculture fields, they
should relocate power plant on barren land.
As the Vice President himself promised that he is looking into giving proper package
to such ryots whose land are adjoining power plant, and going by the vehement opposition
of the farmers. It is only appropriate that the management must give proper package of
compensation to all adjoining farmers of power plant. As speakers informed that due to
pollution, the quality of quantity of their yield has drastically decreased due to pollution.
Further, if the management is not able to redress the grievance of the farmers, they should
change the proposed site and relocate the plant inside their campus, where barren land is
available and away from the agriculture fields. This is also a very strong demand came
from the majority of the speakers.
The land dispute would be considered and would take
necessary action. She assured that the public hearing proceedings accurately reflecting all
the views and concerns expressed including relocation issue were recorded. It would be
forwarded to higher ups for further course of action. She further requested to provide 100%
employment to the local people.
The Environmental Engineer, APPCB, RO-Nalgonda concluded the hearing and
added that the public hearing proceedings along with Video-graphy & representations
received would be forwarded to Authorities concerned.
Sl.
No.
1)
Name & Designation of the panel
member
Smt. Neetu Prasad, I.A.S.
Joint Collector & Addl. Dist. Magistrate,
Nalgonda
2)
Shri M.V.N. Prasad,
Environmental Engineer,
AP. Pollution Control Board,
Regional Office, Nalgonda
Signature