A team of ecology experts will scrutinise the proposed nuclear power park at Jaitapur and four thermal power plants in Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts of Maharashtra on a nine-day visit there from October 4.

The western ghats ecology expert panel headed by Madhav Gadgil will look into the angle of protection of environment during the visit.

“There will be field visits to the proposed thermal power plants at Bhopam and Dhopave on October 5 and 6 respectively and open consultations on likelihood of impact of these plants on the rich ecology of the western ghats,” sources in the environment ministry said.

Similar visits and open consultations are slated on the under-construction thermal power plant at Jaigad on October 7 and Finolax power plant on October 8 and later at the proposed nuclear power park at Jaitapur.

The visit will also covers study of deforestation in the two districts, discussions with Chiplun and other area activists as also with those of Kolhapur and Sangli at Kolhapur and with Dabhol creek, Nate and Malvan fishermen.

Also planned during the tour are field visits to the Fondiye secret grove, Kalane, Durgmanvad and Redi-Timlo mine sites, proposed aerodrome at Chipi. The group will wind up visit with a public lecture and presentation to research scholars and students of Shivaji University at Kolhapur.