Mangalore: The state government will not go ahead with the 4,000 MW Ultra Mega Thermal Power Project at Niddodi, without the consent of the majority of the locals there, said Minister for Energy D.K. Shivkumar.

Speaking to the reporters, the minister said that although the central government is keen to implement the project in Niddodi, we will not go ahead without the permission of the locals there. We do not want to hurt them to set up the project, he said.

‘Our ministers and MLA’s will visit the area and talk to the locals to see any possibility to go ahead. We will offer them good incentives, if they are ready to give land for the project”, he said.

He also said that the locals are ready but some persons with vested interests are misleading the locals there. If the project comes up in Niddodi, it will be cost effective in terms of transportation of coals.

Presently, the state is largely relying on the the thermal project which is in Chattisgarh. We have to shell out extra expenses on transporting coal, he said.

By 2016, the state will produce at least 3,000 MW thermal powers and 1,000 MW solar powers. Hence, the government is ready to provide power to anyone who wants to set up industries in the state, he said.

With the implementation of ‘Niranthara Jyothi’ scheme, the government will provide 24 hours 3rd phase power supply to the rural areas, he said.