Our Bureau/

NTPC, Kahalgaon unit, an important power generation unit in eastern Bihar which yet not settled land disputes with the land oustees who earlier donated their lands for mega thermal project, said to be trapped in another controversy. Bhagalpur district administration is all set to collect heavy dues from the super thermal power generation company for the lagan ( government’s tax from cultivated lands).

An estimated dues of more than Rs 5 crore has been laying as dues from the lagan of the lands which earlier were acquired by the power projects in early 70-80 decades.

According to sources, district administration has speeded up its measures to collect the dues from NTPC Kahalgaon and the circle officer (CO), Kahalgaon already asked NTPC, Kahalgaon management for giving details of its lands.

The sources pointed out that NTPC, Kahalgaon has acquired over more than 3100 Acres of lands at Kahalgaon sub-division in Bhagalpur. It’s alleged that the super thermal power project yet not paid any lagan to the government since its establishment.

The administration has been gearing up for holding a discussion with concerned NTPC officials and early on December 19 such meeting was scheduled. But due to some reason, the meeting was postponed.

Sources at the office of district magistrate, Bhagalpur said that the state government has to face revenue losses mainly due to the non-payments of dues from NTPC, Kahalgaon. Besides, due to non-availability of proper records, it is yet not ascertained about the actual measurements of lands falling under Jamabandi which also acquired by the power project. The officials also admitted that due to not payment of lagan, they have to face difficulties in settling the land disputes surrounding NTPC, Kagalgaon project.

Interestingly, the circle office at Kahalgaon also does not have any proper documents by which the actual measurement of the lands acquired by NTPC, Kahalgaon could be ascertained. Henceforth, the CO, Kahalgaon in his letter to group general manager, NTPC, Kahalgaon has requested to furnish the details of acquired lands by the projects.

Observers here however blamed local administration for its delay to collect the dues from NTPC, Kahalgaon. “Earlier also the administration sent notices to the power project company for clearing the dues, but due to lack of promptness by part of the administration, the matter has been delayed,” the observers blamed.

However, the district administration is scheduled to conduct meeting with NTPC, Kahalgaon officials for collecting the dues promptly this time.