Maharashtra has reasons to push for the power projects. Its electricity demand is estimated to have touched 13,500 mw by October 2007, while the supply is about 10,500 mw. JSW Energy is one of the eight companies that signed agreements with the state government in 2005 to set up power plants. As per the MoEF website, 11 thermal power projects are awaiting environmental clearance. "Almost the whole of coastline of Maharashtra is industrialized and some parts of Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg are left intact. That is why they want to set up as many power plants in the region as possible,' says Bhide. Experts, however, point out that environmental assessment should be region specific not industry specific.