No food, water for last 2 days, say PAPs atop chimney

Chandrapur: The protest by project-affected people (PAPs) over the tallest chimney of Chandrapur Super Thermal Power Station (CSTPS) entered the ninth day on Thursday. The protesters alleged that their food and water supply has been stalled since last two days and their supporters at the base of chimney have been flushed out of plant premises.

Hopes of a solution rekindled as energy power minister Nitin Raut has once again summoned leaders of the PAPs to Nagpur for dialogue over the issue. “We believe there will be a fruitful outcome,” said leader of PAPs Dr Abhilasha Gauture. She along with others left for Nagpur in the evening.

Gauture confirmed that supporters of PAPs have been flushed out. Over reports of no food and water supply for the protesters, she said, “The plant authorities are keeping food and water at the base of the 275-metre high staircase with a hope to detain the protesters if they come down.”

More than 650 PAPs of CSTPS are deprived of permanent jobs as promised by the government in the early years 80s. Seven PAPs backed by Maharashtra Rajya Vijnirmiti Pragatkushal Kruti Samiti had climbed up the on August 5 demanding regularization in jobs. The dialogue between the energy minister, Mahagenco and protesters failed during the initial stage.