- Environmental public hearing concluded peacefully, transparently, and successfully with the participation of approximately 1,000 people from 29 Gram Panchayats.
- Most speakers voiced their support for the project, emphasizing employment, industrial development, and regional progress.
The environmental public hearing for Adani Power Limited’s proposed Phase-III project (2×800 MW Ultra Super Critical Thermal Power Project) in Raigarh—organized by the Chhattisgarh Environment Conservation Board (CECB)—concluded successfully today at Village Supa, Tehsil Pusaur, amidst great enthusiasm, widespread public participation, and a positive atmosphere. Approximately 1,000 villagers, public representatives, administrative officials, and representatives from various departments hailing from the 29 project-affected Gram Panchayats participated in the hearing. During the proceedings, the majority of speakers expressed their support for the project, describing it as a significant initiative for regional development, job creation, and industrial progress.
The public hearing was conducted in accordance with the provisions of the notification dated September 14, 2006 (as amended), issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India. It was presided over by Mr. Apoorva Priyesh Toppo, Additional Collector and Additional District Magistrate (ADM). The entire proceeding was conducted in compliance with statutory regulations in the presence of Mr. Manvendra Shekhar Pandey, Regional Officer of the Chhattisgarh Environment Conservation Board (CECB). Mr. Mahesh Sharma, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Raigarh, and Mr. Gokul R.K., Assistant Collector, were also present on the dais. The entire process was carried out peacefully, transparently, and in an orderly manner under the supervision of the administration and the Chhattisgarh Environment Conservation Board.
During the public hearing, officials and experts from Adani Power Limited presented detailed information regarding the Phase-III expansion project. Detailed information was provided regarding various aspects of the project, including the Ultra Super Critical Technology to be adopted, environmental protection measures, air quality management, water conservation, fly ash management, green development, biodiversity conservation, and the Environmental Management Plan (EMP). Officials and experts provided comprehensive and satisfactory responses to all questions, suggestions, and queries raised by the villagers.
Expressing their views, numerous villagers and public representatives stated that the project expansion would create new employment and self-employment opportunities for local youth, boost local trade and transport activities, and accelerate the region’s economic and social development.
On this occasion, several public representatives—including Mr. Sanjay Maitri (Sarpanch, Barpali), Smt. Meena Patel (Sarpanch, Mirauni), Mr. Gulabram Dansena (Sarpanch, Semra), Mr. Jagannath Chauhan (Sarpanch, Ghughua), Mr. Phanindra Sidar (Sarwani), Mr. Osram Sidar (Amlibhauna), Mr. Aniruddh Sidar (Sarpanch, Supa), and Mr. Deenbandhu Sidar (Deputy Sarpanch, Bunga)—shared their suggestions and views, expressing their expectations regarding regional development, employment, and public welfare.
The villagers also noted that the initiatives undertaken by Adani Power Limited and the Adani Foundation in areas such as education, health, skill development, drinking water, women’s empowerment, infrastructure, and community development have brought about positive changes in the surrounding villages. They expressed hope that these development and welfare initiatives would expand further with the Phase-III expansion project.
Adani Power Limited reiterated its assurance that all project activities would be carried out in full compliance with the environmental standards and statutory provisions of the Government of India and the Government of Chhattisgarh. The company reaffirmed its commitment to environmental protection, sustainable development, local employment, skill development, and the holistic socio-economic development of the surrounding villages.
The entire public hearing was conducted in a peaceful, fair, transparent, and orderly manner under the supervision of the administration and the Chhattisgarh Environment Conservation Board. Enthusiastic public participation, the positive support expressed by the majority of speakers, and the development-oriented dialogue made this public hearing a significant and successful milestone in the project’s environmental clearance process.
