Report by OD bureau; Korba: A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed against BALCO’s 1200 MW power plant project in Korba, Chhattisgarh has been disposed off as withdrawn.

The PIL which was filed by Mr. Amarnath Agarwal in December 2011, alleging BALCO’s power plant construction as unlawful and detrimental for the environment, had undergone several hearings before a final declaration was made on September 26th 2012 by the High Court in favour of BALCO.

The PIL was filed against the State of Chhattisgarh, Municipal Corporation, State Pollution Control Board, MOEF and BALCO appealing action against BALCO for unauthorised construction with respect to its 1200 MW power plant. The petitioner pleaded for directions to be issued to the Municipal Corporation for taking steps for removal of the construction and refraining the Company from proceeding with its power plant construction without permissions and in violation of the conditions of grant of environment clearance.

The petitioner’s application was rejected based on the fact that Municipal Corporation had granted site approval to BALCO for construction and that the Company was in legal possession of the land since February 2010. As per the Company’s stance, construction of a green belt would be implemented after construction of the power plant is completed which would be monitored by the State Pollution Control Board. The Company affirmed that it complies with the directions for control and reduction of pollution issued by MOEF and State Pollution Control Board.

During the course of hearing, the Court was negative on the PIL and gave the petitioner an option to withdraw. It was asserted that the petition had no public interest. However, the petitioner has been given the liberty to approach the concerned authorities in case he wants to raise his grievance.