NTPC reconsider compensation for land acquisition: Hussain

Bhagalpur, May 6 (UNI) Former Union minister Shahanwaz Hussain today urged the NTPC to ensure payment of ''suitable compensation'' for acquiring land for the Kahalgaon Super Thermal Power Station (KSTPS) here.

Addressing a function to mark the commissioning of the first of the three 500 MW thermal unit of the KSTPS in presence of Union Energy Minister Sushil Kumar Shindhe here, Mr Hussain regretted that not enough compensation was paid to most of the land owners, whose land were acquired by the NTPC for the construction as well as the expansion of the plant a few years ago.

Stating that the problem of acquisiton of land for industry was fast becoming a major issue in the country, the senior BJP leader, without making particular reference to any area, including Nandigram and Singur in the neighbouring West Bengal, said enough importance should be given in terms of deciding the payment of compensation to the affected land owners, including the farmers.

''To my mind a separate review committee should be constituted at the state level to decide on the quantum of compensation and the issue of providing jobs to the members of the affected families,'' Mr Hussain maintained and urged the NTPC Chairman, present on the occasion, to look into the issue on a 'priortiy basis'.

Mr Shinde formally commissioned the first 500 MW unit of the Kahalgaon power plant to increase its installed capacity to 1340 MW, thereby opening a new vista in the overall power scenario of the state.

Bihar Power Minister Birendra Prsad Yadav and Union Power Secretary Anil Dhwan were also present on the occasion.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was, however, unable to attend the programme due to unavoidable circumstances.

UNI