The Tata Mundra project (Coastal Gujarat Pvt Ltd), located in the Kutch district of Gujarat, in western India, is a massive undertaking involving the construction of a coal-based ultra mega power plant and associated infrastructure, like ports. Although initially envisioned to meet the surging energy demands of the region, the project has been marred by controversy due to its profound impacts on both the local population and the environment.
One of the primary concerns surrounding the Tata Mundra project is its ecological footprint. The plant relies on coal, imported from Indonesia, a fossil fuel notorious for its contribution to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. The extraction, transportation, and burning of coal release pollutants into the air, soil, and water, adversely affecting the surrounding ecosystems.
Furthermore, the project necessitates the construction of a port for coal transportation, which can disrupt marine life and introduce pollutants into coastal areas. The disposal of ash generated from coal combustion poses a serious threat to water bodies, potentially contaminating groundwater and affecting aquatic ecosystems.
Dredging for the intake of seawater for the turbines has devastated the sea beds, which is house for fishes and turtles. The wastage of the desalination plant is put back in the sea, causing high concentration of salt which is unsuitable for the fish and other aquatic beings.
The Tata Mundra project has significant social implications, particularly for the communities residing in the project’s vicinity. The construction and operation of the power plant require the acquisition of vast stretches of land, displacing local populations and disrupting established ways of life.
Farmers and fishermen, whose livelihoods are closely tied to the land and sea, face displacement and loss of access to vital resources. The project has led to a decrease in the availability of arable land and fishing grounds, impacting the economic stability of these communities. Additionally, the resettlement process has been a non-starter with most of the people, whether fisherfolks or farmers, not even counted as affected communities.
The coal-based power plant raises concerns about public health due to the emission of pollutants such as sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. These pollutants can contribute to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and other health issues in the surrounding communities. The local population, particularly vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly, may face increased health risks as a result of prolonged exposure to these pollutants.
In response to the injustices and adverse impacts, affected communities, along with environmental activists and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), have actively protested against the Tata Mundra project. Advocacy efforts aim to raise awareness about the environmental and social implications, urging responsible corporate practices and government and investors’ intervention to address the grievances of affected communities.
The consistent efforts to hold investors accountable have led to the fishing community challenging the legal immunity enjoyed by the World Bank group in the US courts. The Jam vs IFC case was a pivotal legal challenge where Indian farmers and fishermen sued the International Finance Corporation (IFC) over harms caused by the Tata Mundra coal-fired power plant. It reached the US Supreme Court, which ruled that international organizations like the IFC do not have absolute immunity from lawsuits. This decision expanded accountability for international financial institutions, allowing affected communities to seek justice in US courts for environmental and social impacts caused by projects funded by international financial institutions. It set a precedent for holding such institutions responsible for their investments’ consequences globally.
