Raigarh । With the launch of new coal mines, activity in the steel and power sectors has intensified in Raigarh district of Chhattisgarh. Several new industrial projects are being planned, while existing plants are moving towards expansion. In this sequence, Adani Power Limited is set to expand its power plant located at Bade Bhandar, about 25 km from Raigarh city.
For the proposed expansion, around 175 hectares of land have been identified across three villages in Pusaur block. The land acquisition process is being carried out by the state Industry Department. As part of the plan, 40.372 hectares in Barpali, 116.344 hectares in Kotmara, and 19.139 hectares in Sarwani are being acquired, totaling 175.855 hectares of private land. Additionally, around 20 hectares of government land will also be acquired. Restrictions have been imposed on land sale, purchase, diversion, and partition in these villages.
The Adani Power plant at Bade Bhandar was originally planned as a 1200 MW project under an MoU signed by the Chhattisgarh government with the Avantha Group. Later, the project was acquired by the Adani Group. Currently, only 600 MW is operational. Now, Adani Power plans to install two new units of 800 MW each, increasing the total capacity to 2200 MW. The company proposes to set up an Ultra Super Critical Thermal Power Plant, for which approvals have already been granted by both the central and state governments. The central government approved the expansion on November 28, 2024, while environmental clearance was granted in January 2025.
Coal Consumption to Double
At present, the plant consumes about 3.25 million tonnes of coal annually. After expansion, coal consumption is expected to rise to 6.6 million tonnes per year, with coal planned to be sourced from Odisha’s Bijahan mines. Fly ash generation is also expected to nearly triple—from 1.2 million tonnes to about 3.4 million tonnes annually. Water requirements for the plant will be met from the Mahanadi River.
Rising Local Opposition
The proposed land acquisition has triggered concerns among local residents. In Raigarh district, any mention of industrial land acquisition has been leading to growing public resentment. With information emerging about the acquisition of nearly 425 acres of private land in three additional villages, protests are expected to intensify. Environmental activists and residents fear that the increasing number of power plants around Raigarh city will further worsen pollution levels, making environmental control increasingly difficult.
As power plants continue to surround Raigarh along major highways, the expansion raises serious questions about sustainable development, environmental impact, and the future of local communities.