Minister for Energy Gottipati Ravi Kumar on Monday (September 22) told the Assembly that the State government is taking stringent measures to curb pollution from the Narla Tatarao Thermal Power Station (NTTPS) and safeguard the livelihoods of local residents.Replying to a question from Mylavaram MLA Vasantha Krishna Prasad, the Minister said repairs are being carried out at NTTPS as per the Pollution Control Board’s (PCB) directions. Pond ash dumping for long time and transport had caused pollution in nearby areas, he admitted, adding that a tendering agency has now been appointed to ensure proper ash disposal. A coal storage shed is also being built to check dust emissions.The government has already spent ₹50 crore on pollution prevention and is investing another ₹500 crore on new equipment as part of modernization and renovation, he said. Rejecting claims that tendering would affect local livelihoods, Ravi Kumar assured that only trucks owned by local residents would be used for ash transport, with the government covering loading and transport costs.The Minister emphasized that GENCO remains committed to the welfare of local communities, whose sacrifices for power generation would never be forgotten. He said the Energy department has extended medical benefits equal to those of GENCO employees to residents of nearby villages. Mobile medical units are visiting every household, conducting health check-ups, maintaining records, and offering free treatment with specialist doctors. Regular medical camps are also being organized to address local health concerns.“Protecting people’s health and livelihoods while ensuring clean power generation is the government’s responsibility, and we are fully committed to it,” Mr. Ravi Kumar said. Published - September 22, 2025 03:20 pm IST