Bihar is not likely to be self-reliant
in the power sector till 2012. All the new proposed power projects in Bihar are
likely to be commissioned by 2012 if it gets land, water and coal
linkages.
The non-availability of adequate land and fuel linkages are
one of the major constraints for new plants. The current power crisis will
continue for another four years. National Thermal Power Corporation’s
(NTPC) two plants, located at Barh and Nabingar, are also not likely to generate
power before 2012.
Out of the 10 total power projects approved by the
State Investment Promotion Board (SIPB), only one has made some progress in
acquisition of land so far. The remaining nine projects have not acquired land
for the power projects.
JAS Infrastructure Capital Pvt Ltd (Patna)
has signed an MoU with the Bihar government for setting up a 2,640 MW power
project in Banka. According to sources, it has identified 415.12 acres of land
and its acquisition is in progress. This firm has also been allotted coal block
at Mahuagarhi by the Union ministry of coal on 50:50 joint venture basis. The
environment and socio-economic data collection has also been completed.
Banka’s power plant is likely to be commissioned by 2012.
The
remaining proposed projects are yet to get clearances for fuel, survey and soil,
pollution for water and air, forest, environment and equipment. Another Power Co
Ltd (Earlier CESC, Kolkata) had signed an for a 2000 MW unit at Pirpainty in
Bhagalpur. It had initially identified 600 acres but failed to get clearance of
the ministry of forest and environment. Further land identification is in
progress.
Similarly, Adhunik Power & Natural Resources Ltd
(Earlier Neepaz Thermal Energy Ltd, Kolkata) has identified 1,000 acres of land
for setting up its plant for generating 1000 MW of power at Lakhisarai.
Inquiries disclosed that IL&FS, New Delhi, India Power Corporation Limited,
Kolkata, Triton Energy Limited, Cement Manufacturing Co, Kolkata, and Krishak
Bharti Cooperative Ltd, New Delhi, have not acquired suitable land for setting
up of their power plants.
Krishak Bharati Cooperative Ltd, India
Power Corporation Limited and Cement Manufacturing Company Ltd, Kolkata, are yet
to even identify the place for their plants in Bihar. All these were approved by
the SIPB.