The Real Cost of Power - Bank Information Center
The Real Cost of Power - Bank Information Center
The Real Cost of Power - Bank Information Center
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However, given the hazardous nature <strong>of</strong> the project, even the presumed benefits <strong>of</strong> direct employment are<br />
questionable.<br />
<strong>The</strong> company stated that from January-September <strong>of</strong> 2011 they spent time interacting with the community members<br />
and leaders <strong>of</strong> MASS. <strong>The</strong>y invited MASS and its members for a meeting which was organized by the Vivekananda<br />
Research and Training Institute (VRTI) at Mandvi in February 2011. <strong>The</strong> major point that they wanted to put forward was<br />
that “we are going to be here for the next 25 years and hence, let us build a generation together with the community.”<br />
MASS did not attend this meeting as there was a mismatch <strong>of</strong> interests.<br />
<strong>The</strong> company said that the fish catch declined in the past few years, even before the Tata project was commissioned.<br />
o<br />
<strong>The</strong> temperature levels <strong>of</strong> the outlet water were to be maintained at 4-5 C above the mean sea temperature. This is<br />
o o<br />
lesser than the government-prescribed limit <strong>of</strong> 7 C. But, there was no explanation <strong>of</strong> why, the 7 C limit would not be<br />
breached once all the 4000 MW units became operational. <strong>The</strong>y said they have so far never ever given attention to<br />
chemicals in the outlet water, as the water taken from the inlet is passed out through the outlet and it never undergoes<br />
any chemical process. Since the team told them about the possibility <strong>of</strong> chemical content, the company agreed to<br />
conduct the required tests.<br />
With regards to coal dust they said they are getting the coal from Indonesia. <strong>The</strong> imported coal they get is comparatively<br />
smaller in size (20-50mm) thus, it is not crushed and hence the dust never flies out <strong>of</strong> the wall. <strong>The</strong>y claimed not to have<br />
destroyed any mangroves.<br />
<strong>The</strong>y also denied that fishworkers' access to fishing grounds has been drastically curtailed or banned altogether because<br />
<strong>of</strong> the construction <strong>of</strong> inlet and outflow channels, even though the latter is 7 kilometers long and divides important<br />
portions <strong>of</strong> the creek.