Green nod to Satpura power plant ignored damage to tiger habitat: Plea in NGT

Bhopal: The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and environment clearance granted for the proposed Rs 12,000-crore expansion of the Satpura Thermal Power Plant in Betul district has been challenged in the National Green Tribunal (NGT) over allegations that destruction of critical tiger habitat and wildlife movement areas was kept off the record during the approval process.

The petition, filed by wildlife activist Adil Khan, president of the Satpura Biodiversity Conservation Society, alleges that the EIA prepared for the expansion project concealed crucial ecological facts, including the existence of the Satpura-Melghat tiger corridor and regular movement of tigers and leopards near the project site.

The expansion project was proposed by Madhya Pradesh Power Generating Company Limited and received environmental clearance in 2023.

The plea states that the land for the expansion was transferred by the forest department to MPPGCL in 2013, claiming that illegal tree felling has been taking place “in a surreptitious manner” since then.

The petition adds that the EIA submitted for the project was “spurious, concocted and prearranged” as it failed to disclose several material ecological facts.

The EIA identified only the peacock as a Schedule-I species under the Wildlife Protection Act in the study area, despite internal correspondence by MPPGCL itself allegedly referring to tiger and leopard movement in and around the thermal power plant premises and adjoining acquired land, the plea adds.

It also points to what it describes as contradictions in the environmental clearance process. While the terms of reference submitted for the project reportedly stated that no native flora or fauna would be harmed and no waterbody would be disturbed or realigned, a portion of the Satpura reservoir is being filled to create a level surface for the proposed expansion, the plea alleges further.

It further claims that the EIA concluded there was no tiger corridor within 10 km of the project site, whereas the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC), headed by the Chief Wildlife Warden, had objected to the finding and recorded that the Satpura-Melghat river corridor lies around 2.4 km from the existing plant.

It seeks cancellation of the environmental clearance, citing a condition in the approval itself which states that concealment of material facts can lead to withdrawal of the clearance.

Advocate Sanidhya Jain, appearing for the petitioner, said the challenge before the NGT was aimed at enforcing environmental safeguards laid down by courts.

“The Supreme Court has repeatedly emphasised the importance of preserving India’s green heritage. Recently, the court observed that cutting large numbers of trees is worse than killing human beings,” Jain said.

“Despite such clear directives, authorities are allegedly proceeding with large-scale destruction of trees in the Satpura region. We are approaching the NGT with the hope that it will recognise the urgent need to preserve this ecologically sensitive landscape,” he added.

Meanwhile, Adil Khan, a wildlife activist, alleged that the Satpura forest landscape around Sarni is ecologically significant and supports several endangered and endemic species protected under the Wildlife Protection Act.

“Since 2009, I have been working for the protection of the rich biodiversity of the Satpura region. The extension project is being carried out by allegedly concealing crucial facts such as the existence of the Satpura-Melghat tiger corridor, filling of a portion of the Satpura reservoir and felling of trees,” Khan told TOI.

He alleged that the MPPGCL had, for years, been involved in activities causing ecological degradation, including illegal tree felling and discharge of hazardous substances into the reservoir.

Those tasked with commissioning the project have not yet publicly responded to the allegations made in the petition. Sources said the expansion project’s tender was awarded to Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited in October 2025.

The matter is expected to come up before the NGT in the coming weeks.