State-owned energy service provider, National Th ermal Power Corporation (NTPC) has signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the government of Karnataka and Power Company of Karnataka Limited (PCKL) to establish a 4000 MW coal based thermal power project at Kudgi in Bijapur district of Karnataka. NTPC has also inked another MoU with the government of Chhatt isgarh for sett ing up of a 4000 MW coal based thermal power project at Lara in Raigarh district of Chhatt isgarh. It is informed that the topographical survey and preliminary geo-tech investigation for the main plant area land have been carried out for both the sites. Th e placement of award is expected in the fi nancial year 2011-12 aft er gett ing possession of entire land, environment and forest clearance and other statutory clearances. NTPC’s core business involves engineering, construction and operation of power generating plants and providing consultancy to power utilities in India and abroad.