Paschim Medinipur (West Bengal) [India], April 21 (ANI): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday laid the foundation stone for a 1600 MW coal-based thermal power plant at Salboni in the Paschim Medinipur district. The project will be developed by JSW Energy, a part of the Jindal Group.

The power plant will comprise two units of 800 MW each and is expected to supply electricity to 23 districts across the state.

Speaking at the foundation ceremony, Chief Minister Banerjee described the project as a landmark initiative that will supply power to 23 districts.

'The JSWS 1600 MW unit, a critical coal-based thermal power plant foundation, was laid today, a landmark project in West Bengal. Here, 2 mega units of 800 each will be set up, and once it's done, 23 districts will be covered by this power plant. This type of project has never happened before in eastern India. It's a special type of eco-friendly project, Jindal ji said that there will be no pollution,' CM Banerjee said.

Chief Minister Banerjee said that the environment-friendly project will employ 15,000 people.

'It's environment-friendly. In this project, around 15,000 people will get work, including construction and other jobs. They (JSW) got the opportunity through competitive bidding, and we have given them a letter of intent,' she said.

She pointed out that her government has spent Rs 76,000 crore to provide 24x7 electricity.

'Earlier, out of 24 hours, 12 hours there was a power shortage, but now, 24x7 we supply the power. We have spent Rs 76,000 crore to provide 24x7 electricity. Around 3.5 lakh km of new electric lines have been laid, and more than 750 substations have been built. In the past 14 years, we have invested Rs 3700 crore in Paschim Medinipur alone. Because we want our new generation doesnot face any crisis or problem, for them we have to develop so that they get hope and scope for the future,' CM Banerjee said.

CM Banerjee said, 'Jhargram is also a very beautiful district. Earlier, people used to go there for the recovery of their health. A few days ago, we inaugurated a skywalk there. We have also developed a Kali temple there. In Digha, we will inaugurate a temple similar to the Puri temple on 30th April.' (ANI)