Opinion divided on Ennore thermal plant expansion at public hearing

The public hearing on the Ennore Thermal Power Station expansion project under way in Ernavur on Friday.
| Photo Credit: JOTHI RAMALINGAM B

The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) held a public hearing on Friday to discuss the proposed expansion of the Ennore Thermal Power Station (ETPS).

The project, which seeks to increase the coal-fired power plant’s capacity, drew mixed reactions from the locals and political parties. Hundreds were in attendance at the public hearing at Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Maligai in Ernavur.

Many supported the project, citing job creation for the locals. However, opponents of the project raised concerns over the potential environmental and health risks associated with the expansion of the plant. Several people submitted representations regarding the project to Chennai Collector Rashmi Siddharth Zagade, who attended the hearing with officials of TNPCB.

Jayapalyam, a fisher community leader from Ennore, said nature and the livelihood of fishers were closely linked. He highlighted concerns over the impact on fishers’ livelihood, particularly the release of fly ash into the Kosasthalaiyar and Ennore backwaters by Tangedco. He pointed out that not only the water, but the air, too, was polluted in Ennore, and called for an increased focus on solar and wind energy as alternative solutions.

The hearing was marked by disruption and heckling, including when Thiruvottiyur MLA K.P. Shankar suggested that only locals should be allowed to speak about the project. Sachidanandam, a resident of Nettukuppam, argued that blocking companies such as ETPS would deprive the local youth of job opportunities. Magesh of Thalankuppam said opposing all development would not resolve the issues faced by Ennore, and urged the community to unite and demand jobs from Tangedco.

Ravichandran, an advocate from Ennore, highlighted the issue of youth unemployment, adding that it was only after the establishment of the first thermal plant that many locals were able to secure jobs and improve their social standing. He challenged those opposing the project to come up with viable alternatives.

Representatives of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, and Bharatiya Janata Party opposed the expansion.

M. Karunakaran, a fisher leader from Kattukuppam, said Ennore’s industrial growth over the past 30 years had failed to create permanent jobs, while harming the livelihoods of fishers and farmers as well as the health of the locals.

Some argued that the project’s Environmental Impact Assessment was invalid, as it was prepared based on the Terms of Reference finalised in January 2019, which were valid only for four years.

Prabhakaran Veerarasu of Poovulagin Nanbargal said that in areas like Ennore, which were already burdened with industrial pollution, a cumulative impact assessment should be conducted to evaluate the overall effects of pollution from all thermal plants and industries, rather than focusing on the expansion project.

Naam Tamilar Katchi chief coordinator Seeman questioned the need for expanding the thermal plant, saying, “When there are ways to generate electricity without polluting the environment or endangering the health of nearby residents, why proceed with this expansion? Those who support the project for the sake of job creation, despite knowing it will poison the air, land, and water, and cause serious health problems…I challenge you to build houses near ETPS and live there.”