After setting of NTPC's Lara Power Project in Chhattisgarh, the residents of Kandheikela, Badimal, Charpali, Remada, Pithinda and Kanaktora panchayat under 19 mouzas have been affected by the polluted air and release of waste water of the plant. They have been constantly complaining about it but to no avail.
On Thursday, Bargarh MP Suresh Pujari raised the issue in the Parliament and requested the concerned Union Minister to give necessary instructions to NTPC to continue its CSR activities and stop pollution in the locality. Replying to Pujari's question, the Minister said that the project is located in Chhatisgarh State and the NTPC is utilising Rs 320 crore in development of the affected areas under its CSR scheme.
Pujari explained that 15 km area from the project are taken to be the affected area and the citizens have every right for the CSR activities.
He requested the Minister for continuing CSR activities in the six affected panchayats every year besides stopping pollution by NTPC.
The Minister informed that efforts have been made to utilise CSR funds through the concerned district Collector for which Rs 70 lakh has been given. Out of the sum, Rs 46 lakh has been utilised and the rest will be utilised very soon.