MR orders quickening of India power plant project

 

Thursday, 29 May 2014

MR pushes Sampur plant after meeting Modi

President Mahinda Rajapaksa asked the Power and Energy Ministry to expedite work on the Sampur coal power plant in Trincomalee following his recent visit to India where he met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Sampur plant is to be constructed with Indian assistance.

Modi during his meeting with Rajapaksa had asked for an early completion of the power project.

The Hindu has reported that in the seven months following its agreement with Colombo, New Delhi repeatedly voiced concern on the lack of progress in the project.

The 500-MW plant is NTPC India’s first international joint venture with the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB).

While the plant promises to meet a power shortfall, residents around Sampur are worried about displacement.

In December 2013, The Hindu reported that 800 families were affected after their land had been reportedly taken over by the government.

CEB authorities had then told The Hindu that only 500 acres were earmarked for the plant itself, and that the seven families that lost land were being compensated. But, there has been no progress since, say residents.

“Before the foundation stone is laid, we request India to look into our displacement,” said K. Nageswaran, TNA member and chairman of the Displaced Sampur Residents’ Welfare Organisation.