This is the story of the village of Palavasa-Nakkavanipalem in Visakhapatnam, which is fighting coal dust in their lungs. The village is located close to the coal-based power plant run by Hinduja National Power Corporation Ltd (HNPCL), and the residents have been suffering from various asthmatic symptoms for years. The village has repeatedly requested the company to relocate them somewhere safer, but their requests have fallen on deaf ears. Finally, the village has taken the matter to court, filing a writ petition which has now been converted to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL). The residents are fighting for their lives, and for the future of their children.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday said power distribution companies (discoms) cannot be permitted to change their decisions in connection with power purchase agreement at their whims and fancies, as it imposed a cost of Rs 5 lakh on Andhra Pradesh .