Social activist Medha Patkar (of the Narmada Bachao Andolan fame), today criticised the Punjab government for setting up more thermal plants in the state, saying they would disturb the environment of Punjab.

Talking to mediapersons here today, Medha Patkar said it was not a wise step to set up thermal plants by acquiring fertile land of farmers of Punjab, which also adversely affected the environment of the state.

She said the state already has three thermal plants and setting up four more thermal plants would be disastrous. She advised that thermal plants be set up near the coal mines and supply should be routed through the national grid, which could help produce cheap power.

She suggested that Punjab could seek permission for setting up its own thermal projects or pool them with the Centre or states like Jharkhand, instead of acquiring productive land in Punjab and rendering it useless. She also criticised the way the Centre and the Ministry of Environment gave its clearances for the projects.

Commending the Punjab farmers for filling up the nation’s food basket, the social activist lamented that despite filling the stomachs of millions, the Punjab farmers were not getting their rewards and suicides were continuing in the state. She offered her services for the state farmers, saying she was ready to take up their cause anytime.

Medha Patkar also criticised the setting up of special economic zones (SEZs) or setting up of industries on agricultural land in any part of the country. She termed SEZs as ‘Special Exploitation Zone’.

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