Chhattisgarh starts land takeover for mega power project

RAIPUR - The Chhattisgarh government Thursday said it has begun moves to acquire 2,500 acres in Surguja district for a 4,000 MW ultra mega power project.

“Some 2,500 acres are needed for the central government’s fifth ultra mega power project that will come up in Udaipur and Premnagar blocks of Surguja district,” an official statement here said.

According to the statement, the affected families will be given Rs.10 lakh for an acre of two-crop irrigated land, Rs.8 lakh per acre for single crop un-irrigated land and Rs.6 lakh for an acre of barren land.

The government said some 1,200 acres are required for the main power plant, 1,000 acres for the ash dam, 200 acres for water conservation and 100 acres for a housing complex.

The project needs 1,200 million tonnes of coal and 135 million cubic metres of water. The power production will begin 69 months after the project is allotted to the successful bidder.

The central government is setting up the ultra mega power project to generate another 100,000 MW by 2012 to provide power to all.