In Salboni for thermal plant, Bengal CM hits out at critics: ‘We don't talk, we work', lays foundation stone for 1600 MW power project
Amid the ongoing teachers' protest over the SSC job cancellation and the recent communal violence in Murshidabad, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday hit out at her detractors, saying 'we don't just talk, we work'.
After laying the foundation stone of JSW's 1,600 MW thermal power plant at Salboni in Paschim Medinipur district, the chief minister said: 'You can criticize me. But you can't ignore me. Many people say a lot of things. We don't just talk, we work.'
Asserting it was a historic power project for Bengal that will benefit 'all the 23 districts of the state', the CM said it would give jobs to 15,000 people.
'Earlier, people used to say we don't need a government of load shedding. Now, electricity is supplied 24 hours a day. Two more thermal power plants will be set up by Jindals (JSW).'
The plant, to be built by JSW Energy at an investment of Rs 16,000 crore, will comprise two units of 800 MW each and is expected to significantly enhance the state's power generation capacity and spur industrial development in the region.
Chairman of JSW Group, Sajjan Jindal, termed Salboni a 'dream' and significant location for the conglomerate and expressed satisfaction over the state's progress.
'It is always a pleasure to return to Salboni — the place which marked the beginning of our journey in West Bengal. This journey would not have been possible without the inspiring leadership of honorable CM Mamata Didi and the valuable guidance and support of the state government. Her vision for Bengal, belief in its people continue to inspire us to invest and grow in the state,' he said.
Highlighting its substantial job creation potential, the CM said, 'In Eastern India, no such project has happened before. It is a special type of eco-friendly and environment-friendly project and 15,000 people will work on this.'
Addressing the increasing power demands, Banerjee said, 'Demands are increasing — domestic and industrial — both. In 2011, we had one crore seven lakh consumers and now, it has increased to 2 crore 30 lakhs. The demand will be more and more in the near future, because of which we have set a target for 18,000 MV, for which we will spend Rs 48,000 crore more.'
'We require more and more power in the state. It was only 2,000 MW when we came to power. Now, we have reached 10,000 MW production, but we are targeting 18,000 MW in future. Five such power plants are being worked on. Out of 24 hours, there was a 12-hour power shortage and now, we supply 24×7. For this, we have spent Rs76,000 crore and 3.5 kilometers of new electric line has been set up,' the Chief Minister added.
Pledging further investments in the state Jindal said, 'The Salboni land belongs to the farmers. I guarantee and promise that you and your next generation will get benefits from this plant. Salboni is the most beautiful place in Bengal.'
'Didi is really working hard for this. I keep talking to Amit Mitra, he says the state GDP is the best in the country. It is a big thing and I thank Didi for coming here. We have so much support and blessings from her, especially for my son Partha. Such kind of leaders come once in a millennium. She is kind, has emotions and feels for the poor and everyone,' he said.
He also assured that the new power plant would be 'the best power plant with zero pollution' to meet the state's growing energy needs. 'Didi (CM) told me that two crore people require more power, that's why we have come here to set up a power plant,' he added.
The Chief Minister while acknowledging JSW's broader investments said, 'JSW is doing an Industrial Park. I told them to set up a skill training setup. From the government, we will give you all support. Industrial Park is the biggest achievement of Bengal.'
JSW Energy further plans to establish a 2,000-acre JSW Industrial Park in Salboni, featuring plug-and-play infrastructure.
'Our target is we will bring companies from Japan, Korea so that the Medinipur area gets more work. We are also planning to open a skill development school so that young minds get good training…,' Jindal said.
'Today, after reaching here and spending time with Didi (CM), we are truly touched. I have come here after 10 years… My wife Sangita, my son Partha, and I sat with Didi for 15 minutes, and it felt like the warmth of home, just like visiting my own Didi. We come from Mumbai and Mamata Didi showers so much love and warmth that we feel we shouldn't leave Bengal and should stay here,' he said.
Former cricketer and BCCI president Sourav Ganguly, who attended the ceremony, acknowledged the JSW Group's transformative impact. 'I have known Sajjan ji, his wife, and son Partha for years now. I have visited Vijayanagar too. Wherever they come they change the place. Five years from now, Medinipur will look completely different… I thank them for choosing Bengal.
A huge chunk of land they have here. I am sure his vision for investment in Bengal will not be restricted to Medinipur. I can guarantee you that you will not complain after five years about this project,' Ganguly affirmed.
The Salboni project is a key element of JSW Energy's expansion strategy in East India, and is aimed at strengthening the region's industrial infrastructure and generating substantial employment opportunities.
The project marks JSW Energy's largest greenfield venture to date.
The power generated from the plant is tied up under a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (WBSEDCL) and the plant will utilise domestic coal allocated to West Bengal under the SHAKTI B (IV) policy.
The project is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, with a focus on skill development and local sourcing to uplift the Salboni region and its surrounding areas.
JSW Energy, which began commercial operations in 2000, has steadily grown its power generation capacity and is currently developing projects to reach a total capacity of 20 GW significantly before 2030.
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