Mahagenco files caveat against 87 opposing new Koradi plant units

Nagpur: The Maharashtra State Power Generation Company (Mahagenco) has filed a caveat in the Nagpur bench of Bombay high court against 87 persons who opposed the two proposed 660 MW coal power units at Koradi at the recent hearing.The caveat was filed through counsel Mohit Khajanchi apprehending that any of these 87 citizens, who took part in the environmental public hearing conducted by Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) recently at Koradi on May 29, may move HC challenging the hearing.Caveator Mahagenco has already dispatched notice of this caveat by registered post and e-mail to the 87 proposed petitioners named as opposite parties, including former MP Prakash Jadhav and MLA Vikas Thakre.“We pray that no orders be passed without due notice under Section 148-A of the Code of Civil Procedure to the caveator in any application/prayer for grant of stay and/or status quo and/or injunction and/or any other interim/ad-interim order/relief, in any writ petition under Article 226 and/or 227 of the Constitution of India,” the caveat mentioned.The members of civil society and the citizens strongly opposed the caveat and issued a joint statement flaying Mahagenco. As reported by TOI, they had opposed the hearing proclaiming that it was not just chaotic but held in gross violations of union environment ministry's norms.“The citizens have full faith in the judiciary and constitution, and will continue to oppose this ill-conceived project with all non-violent means and ‘janjagaran’, till the authorities realise their mistake,” the statement said.Calling it a desperate move, general secretary of MPCC Vishal Muttemwar said, “The caveat issued by Mahagenco through its lawyers is nothing but a tactic to intimidate concerned prominent citizens and environment activists who are rightfully opposing the expansion of Koradi plant. The government is desperately trying to bulldoze its way through bypassing all set norms and procedures. It seems that the power generation company is under political pressure to push this project at any cost.”