UDUPI: With work on expansion gaining momentum, Udupi Power Corporation Limited (UPCL) owned by Adani Power Ltd seems set to top the list in terms of power production with a projected output of 2,800 MW by 2020.
On receiving the state government’s green signal for its expansion, UPCL has now initiated land acquisition process in Mudrangadi and Yellur panchayats of Udupi district. UPCL currently operates two units of 600 mw each, or total of 1,200 MW, meeting 28 per cent of the total requirement of the state’s electricity. A MoU was signed recently at ‘Invest Karnataka-2016’ meet between representatives of Adani Power Limited and the state government for expansion of the project through construction of two units of 800 MW coal-based supercritical power plant with an investment of Rs 11,500 crores.
“The process of expansion has commenced as we have to complete the work by 2020. A compensation of Rs 40 lakhs an acre will be provided to those whose land will be acquired for the project. This is a record. In addition, land owners will be paid the appreciated value for their structures, horticultural crops and forest trees,” said Kishore Alva, Executive Director, adding “We will ensure that one person from the family of every land owner is provided employment. Through another initiative, we plan to consider providing job to another member with suitable qualification. A rent of Rs 10,000 will be paid for these land owners for one year till they construct their own house in R&R Colony. Also, senior citizens of each of these families will have a health insurance cover.”
Officials said land being acquired for the second phase was already notified in 1985. The company needs 725 acres for the second phase, of which it already owns 169 acres.
The remaining would be acquired shortly. The company has deposited Rs 18 crores with KIADB and also dispersed Rs 50 crores for acquisition of 35 houses and about 55 properties. Though the expansion had to be completed by 2016, the state government has permitted extension of the deadline till 2020. The government has also given permission to pump 337 million litres per day from the Arabian Sea and also granted permission for construction of the plant.
Giving a facelift
After taking over UPCL, Mr Adani has emphasized on giving the plant a facelift. “The Electro Static Precipitator (ESPs) with high efficiency above 99.9 per cent, Flue Gas Desulphurization (FGD), Low Nox burners, Drift eliminators, Dry Fog Suppressions System, and Water Sprinkler devices have been installed to protect the environment from emission. We are the first in the country to have FGD in operation,” Mr Kishore Alva added.
