KASARGOD: CPM leader and Trikaripur MLA K Kunhiraman said he would strongly oppose coal-fired thermal power plants in Cheemeni. He was speaking after inaugurating a public discussion on the two proposed coal-fired power plants in Cheemeni, organised by the Kayyur-Cheemeni Environment Protection Council. The MLA said he would be in the forefront of protest against the plants.
The KSEB Officers Association said those who were misguiding the people on environmental concerns should come forward for an open discussion.
The Congress, represented by Balakrishnan Periya, said the party would oppose the projects if necessary steps were not taken to address public concerns, including their security. The CPM said it would oppose coal-fired power plants but if the government comes up with gas-based power plants and if they are set up with minimum damage to the environment and without threat to the public, the party would support the projects.
The previous government had to shelve its plan to set up coal-based power plants at Chemeeni following strong protests from the people. Now, again the minister had called a meeting of the MLAs of the district to discuss the project. The government proposed to implement the project without affecting the people. However, Kunhiraman said he told the meeting that the CPM would not support a proposal to set up coal-fired power plants at Cheemeni. He said he realised the importance of electricity to power the growth of the state, but said the government should find new ways to generate it.