Thousands attend environmental clearance hearing; majority back 1,600 MW project citing jobs, development and self-employment prospects
TFP Bureau, Korba, February 27, 2026: 
A public hearing conducted by the Chhattisgarh Environment Protection Board for the proposed 1,600 MW capacity expansion of Korba Power Limited at Patadi village in Barpali tehsil concluded successfully on Friday, drawing participation from thousands of residents across more than a dozen surrounding villages. Officials reported that nearly 95 percent of attendees expressed support for the expansion, citing expectations of employment, infrastructure growth and local economic development.
The hearing, organized as part of the statutory environmental clearance process, was held from noon at the government school playground in Sargbundiya village and lasted approximately two-and-a-half hours. It was presided over by Korba Additional Collector Devendra Patel and regional officials, with senior administrative officers and technical experts also present. Representatives of Adani Power Limited, which operates the plant, provided detailed presentations on project plans, environmental safeguards, technology standards and anticipated socio-economic benefits.
Officials said villagers from Khoddal, Patadi, Sargbundiya, Pahanda, Baridih, Tilkeja and several other nearby settlements attended in large numbers. Residents raised questions and suggestions primarily related to employment opportunities, livelihood support, environmental protection and local infrastructure. Presiding authorities assured participants that all concerns and recommendations would be formally recorded and considered before final decisions are made.
According to company representatives, the proposed third-phase expansion involves installation of two 800 MW ultra-supercritical units designed for higher efficiency and reduced emissions. They stated that the project is expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs during construction and operation, along with a similar number of self-employment opportunities through ancillary services, transport, supply chains and small businesses.
Local elected representatives, including several sarpanches from participating villages, voiced support for the proposal during the hearing. Community leaders and social representatives said the expansion could open new avenues of development in the region, enhance income opportunities and accelerate rural infrastructure growth.
Villagers also shared testimonials about existing development initiatives undertaken since the power project began operations. A resident from Risdihapara village noted that roads in her area have been illuminated with solar lights and students have received educational materials such as school bags and notebooks. Another village head said access to clean drinking water, improved roads and community welfare programmes had improved quality of life in recent years.
Many speakers credited community initiatives implemented by the Adani Foundation, which runs social programmes in education, healthcare, livelihood enhancement and infrastructure development across more than 12 nearby villages with a combined population exceeding 25,000.
Representatives associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party and local civic bodies also addressed the gathering, stating that the project could bring new dimensions of industrial and social progress to the area and strengthen the district’s economic base.
The Korba facility currently operates two 300 MW sub-critical units with a total installed capacity of 600 MW and has been functioning for about 15 years. Company officials said the expansion reflects a long-term commitment to employment-oriented growth, environmentally responsible development and inclusive rural progress.
At the conclusion of the hearing, project head C.V.K. Prasad thanked villagers, officials and stakeholders for their participation and constructive suggestions. He reiterated that the company aims to pursue development that balances industrial growth with environmental safeguards and community welfare, adding that the proposed expansion is intended to generate large-scale employment while improving education, healthcare and infrastructure in surrounding villages.
