Date:31/05/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/05/31/stories/2007053101870500.htm

Kerala - Alappuzha

Move to set up power plant in Orissa opposed

Staff Reporter

ALAPPUZHA: The Kerala Electricity Employees' Confederation, affiliated to the Indian National Trade Union Congress, has protested against the State Government's move to set up a coal-based power project in Orissa, saying that it is not a practical solution to the State's power scarcity.

In a statement here on Wednesday, the confederation's State committee general secretary, Sajeev Janardhanan, said the State should instead impress upon the Union Government the need for more electricity supply from the Central pool. The State should replace costly naphtha with natural gas as fuel in the thermal power project at Kayamkulam to generate cheaper electricity, he said.

He said 32 hydel power projects were yet to be completed because of the "indifferent attitude" of the Government. The Orissa project would turn out to be a costly mistake, he added.