The public hearing on the proposed expansion of the Ennore Thermal Power Station (ETPS) turned chaotic on Friday, December 20, with tensions erupting over allegations of the DMK’s orchestrated support for the station's expansion. Organised by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB), the meeting was held at the Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Maligai in Ernavur, where hundreds including residents, political representatives, and environmental activists participated.
The proposed project seeks to expand the coal-fired plant's capacity by 660 MW, leading to divided public opinion. While many residents expressed strong opposition citing environmental degradation and health risks associated with coal-fired power plants, there was some support for the expansion citing its potential to generate employment, though allegations of the ruling DMK party orchestrating such support are strong.
Residents allege that the meeting was undemocratic, and they were not allowed to speak until they protested. “This was not a public hearing. It was a staged event," a resident of Ernavur told TNM.
The proceedings were disrupted when Tiruvottiyur DMK MLA KP Shankar declared that only residents of Tiruvottiyur would be permitted to talk. His comments were seen as targeting activists and experts who had come to raise concerns about the project’s environmental impact.
Allegations surfaced that Shankar and local DMK Ward Councillors orchestrated the presence of around 50 individuals, who were allowed to dominate the discussion in favour of the project. Other attendees — over 250 — were reportedly denied a chance to speak, leading to protests. Eventually, a handful of them were allowed to voice their concerns, but District Collector Rashmi Siddharth Zagade, who chaired the meeting, left before they could finish.
Those in favour of the project argued that job creation is crucial for local families. Opponents, however, highlighted the long-term consequences of the expansion, including increased air and water pollution, which they claimed would disproportionately affect the marginalised communities in the region.
The public hearing concluded on a discordant note with residents alleging that the TNPCB and district administration failed to ensure a fair platform for all voices.
It is to be noted that this scenario was already foreseen by activists as they faced similar experiences with the collector during the Pen Monument public hearing in February this year. Three retired judges – S Muralidhar, K Kannan, and D Hariparanthaman – on December 16, wrote to the Chennai district collector and concerned departments seeking “smooth and lawful conduct” of the ETPS public hearing. They said that several residents were denied the opportunity to voice their concerns over the proposed Pen Memorial project during a public hearing held in February 2023 and therefore, requested the authorities to ensure a fair hearing.