New Delhi: Looking to meet the energy needs of the island population while reducing the dependence of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands in a diesel-based power plant that is very polluting, this center has proposed that allows gas-based power plants in the ‘Island coastal zone’ on larger islands With the geographical area of ​​more than 100 square kilometers.
The Ministry of Environment has, for this effect, issues two notification concepts.
The final decision will be taken on this after mid-January next year after analyzing the suggestions and views of stakeholders including environmental lovers and locals in the next two months.
In addition to providing a cleaner energy to the island population at a low cost, this step also assumes significance in the view of India’s efforts to increase its strategic ability by increasing infrastructure in the region with the background of the ‘One Belt One Road initiative’ and its nav.
The Ministry has been in 2019 told the island coastal regulatory zone (ICRZ), stating certain coastal stretches as ‘coastal regulations’ zones and imposed restrictions to establish and expand the industry, operations, and processes in the protected zone.
Likewise, the 2011 Pulau Protection Zone Notification also has provisions, limiting these activities in protected areas.
“Otroran Coastal Zone Management Andaman and Nicobar asked the ministry regarding the inclusion of gas-based power plants in the ICRZ area.
Even the National Coastal Zone Management Authority (NCZMA) in his meeting, held in August, has felt its needs, and recommends providing possible in IPZ notifications and ICRZ, “said an official.
Acting on the recommendation of NCZMA, the Ministry on November 18 issued two separate notifications – one to change IPZ, 2011 and other notifications to change the ICRZ notification, 2019 – proposed “Gas-based power plant settings on the islands with geographical areas larger than 100 Km Square “As activities are permitted with certain regulations needed.
“After officially being told, the NTPC electricity utility company or other people will be able to expand their operations at IPZ and ICRZ in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
The drive will eventually increase UT’s energy needs which are strategically quite important for the country,” said Officials that.