Faced with shortage of water, the state government has decided to reduce the capacity of the coal-based Lalitpur thermal power plant in Bundelkhand region from 4,000 MW to 1,980 MW.

Earlier, this mega power project was proposed to be set up through a joint venture along with the NTPC. The plant is now proposed to be set up under the PPP model, with three units — each of 660 MW. The Energy Task Force, headed by state Chief Secretary Atul Gupta, approved the proposal of scaling down the capacity of the plant.

According to a UP Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) official, for the 4,000 MW power project, the water requirement was as high as 2,000 cusec, while the availability was only 65 cusec. The only source of water for the plant is the Rajghat dam in Lalitpur district.

The Irrigation department expressed its inability to spare more then 80 cusec, as the water from the dam has already been allocated for irrigation and other purposes in the parched region of Bundelkhand.

“The UPPCL has initiated the process of executing the project. The tender for the appointment of the consultant will soon be floated and the process is likely to be completed in the next two months,” said an UPPCL official. The consultant will supervise the process of the award of the project to the private sector, said the official.

The plant will be set up under the Case-I of the competitive bidding guidelines issued by the Centre. Under the Case I, the power procurer or purchaser — UPPCL — will provide the land, fuel supply or coal and arrange for the environmental clearance from the Centre for the bidder, who is awarded the project.

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