Following is an excerpt from a report in Thaindian.

Orissa has agreed to host three of the five new ultra mega power projects (UMPPs) of 4,000 MW each envisaged by the central government, said a top power ministry official here. “Orissa has agreed for three ultra mega power projects that could be structured through special purpose vehicles, promoted by Power Finance Corporation,” Power Secretary Anil Razdan told reporters on the sidelines of a conference organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry here Friday.

Razdan said there was a strong possibility that Orissa could agree to host one more UMPP while Gujarat should take up one project.

Editor’s note: Is the Orissa government making sure that appropriate environmental safeguards are being taken. This is a big concern as each power project not only generates a lot of pollution but also may affect the temperature of the surrounding area.