HYDERABAD – The 1,040 MW Hinduja Thermal Power Plant coming up at Devada village in the coastal district of Visakhapatnam has run into trouble again, with locals and activists staging mass protests against the mega project on grounds of environmental pollution and large-scale displacement of farmers.

A large group of residents and anti-project activists, supported by opposition parties and environmental groups, staged a demonstration near the plant site on Monday, demanding immediate halt to the works and effective rehabilitation package for the displaced families. As the protests led to tension in the area, police swung into action and dispersed the demonstrators.

The coal-based power project, being developed by the Hinduja Group, has run into rough weather with local farmers, opposition groups, energy experts and environmental activists putting up a stiff resistance.