CHENNAI: Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC) is positive about Jayamkondam Lignite Mine Cum Thermal Power Project, said A Ansari, CMD of the Corporation, here on Monday.
Holding that the land was rich in lignite deposit, he said that the site was capable of producing 2,000 MW for the next 30 years from the date of commissioning.
“However, the biggest challenges in the execution of the project include procurement of land and displacement of the inhabitants,” he observed.
Giving a rough figure on the number of people to be displaced from their lands, he said that it will be between 40,000-42,000 people living in nearly 12,000 dwellings.
The site identified covers 65-70 educational institutions including schools and technical institutes.
“The necessary rehabilitation and resettlement for the displaced will have to be taken care of,” he said.
“If you ask, I would say Jayankondam is the most viable option for thermal power production,” he noted.
Besides, he listed out the upcoming project and the future expansion plans of NLC across India.
He also noted that the works entrusted to BHEL had been delayed due to several reasons and added that the projects were progressing at a rate of 15-18 months delay. On capacity addition, Ansari said that the NLC’s outlay was to increase its capacity to produce 15,000 MW by 2020.