CHENNAI: Refuting the charges of PMK founder S Ramadoss regarding generation of electricity in Tamil Nadu, Electricity Minister R Viswanathan on Tuesday said that during the past three years, the AIADMK government headed had made arrangements for 18,430 MW thermal and 2,500 MW hydel power.
As far as the solar power projects are concerned, approval letters have been given to generate 708 MW of power but there were petitions pending before the Supreme Court in this regard. Apart from this, projects to generate 102 MW solar power have already been started. Solar power is being used in the 82,275 green houses built for the poor in the State.
“There is no truth in the allegations levelled by Ramadoss,” the Minister said.
“The PMK leader had levelled charges ignoring the facts and with a view to gain political mileage,” he said.
During the past three years, steps have been taken to augment installed capacity by 4,500 MW through various projects, the minister said adding that long-term agreements have been signed to get 3,300 MW. Moreover four power projects to generate 3,300 MW would be commenced soon. Tenders for the Cheyyur Power Project (4,000 MW) would be finalised soon and TN would be getting a share of 1,600 MW from this project.
Giving a point by point reply to the charges of Ramadoss, the Minister denied the allegation that the Ennore Extension Power Project (800 MW) has been delayed. Already, levelling of project site has been completed and Lanco Infra Tech Limited has commenced construction works.
As far as the Ennore Power Project (660 MW) is concerned, the feasibility report has been prepared and is now under consideration of the Union Environment Ministry. The joint venture power project - NLC and TNEB (1,000 MW) would commence generation in August, he said.
As far as Uppur Power Project, special tahsildars have been appointed for completing land acquisition. Public opinion would be heard on July 4 and after getting the nod of the Union Environment Ministry, works would commence, the Minister said.
The work orders for the Ennore SEZ power project (1,320 MW) would be given very soon.
“Since the model code for LS polls was in force, further works could not be taken up. Only due to the out of the box thinking of the CM, the works for this project had progressed so expeditiously,” the minister said.