Resistance Stalls Maharashtra’s 3,300 MW Power Plant Project.

The proposed 3,300 MW power plant in Dhule, designed as a 5x660 MW facility, has been stalled due to challenges in land procurement and strong community opposition. The Union Ministry of Power informed the Lok Sabha that while MAHAGENCO had acquired 540.05 hectares of private and government land, objections from local farmers and residents proved insurmountable.

Farmers and residents raised concerns over displacement, loss of agricultural land, and environmental damage, leading to a lack of consensus with the affected population. The opposition ultimately forced the cancellation of the Dondaicha project, underscoring the growing difficulties in balancing large-scale development with community interests and environmental sustainability.

Despite this setback, Maharashtra is continuing with other coal-based thermal power projects, including a 660 MW plant in Bhusawal (Jalgaon), a 2x660 MW facility in Koradi (Nagpur), and an 800 MW plant in Chandrapur.

HBL