The proposed 4,000-MW Ultra Mega Power Project (UMPP), which was facing the expiry of notification for land acquisition in Sundargarh district, can now go ahead with the project after the public sector undertaking Power Finance Corporation (PFC) deposited the amount required for the purpose.
The PFC is the nodal agency for setting up the UMPP at Lankahuda near Bhedabahal of Sadar block in the district. Special Land Acquisition Officer (SLAO) and Sadar Sub-collector Bimalendu Roy said the PFC deposited ` 633 crores in June towards acquisition of land as the validity of the notification was to expire in August.
Roy added that accordingly notices under Sections 9(1), 9(3) and 9(4) have been served for land acquisition and the last date for receipt of objections is July 29.
The UMPP would require around 3,200 acres of land spread over six villages with the power plant itself likely to cover above 1,300 acres and the rest areas would be utilised for captive township, ash ponds and other facilities.
The SLAO said of the total land, around 2,700 acres belong to private individuals and the rest are government land.
The Orissa Integrated Power Limited, a fully owned subsidiary of PFC, has invited Request for Qualification (RfQ) for the UMPP under tariff-based competitive bidding process. Among others, a consortium of PSUs led by Nalco has submitted its RfQ.
The UMPP will operate using super critical technology on build, own and operate (BOO) basis.
Water for the UMPP will be drawn from river Ib as check dams and barrages would be set up for the purpose.
The Meenakshi, Meenakshi-B and Deep side of Meenakshi coal blocks have been earmarked for the UMPP in the district.