Introduction: Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) studies are crucial for evaluating the potential effects of projects before government approval. Coal-fired thermal plants, especially those located at coal pitheads, have significant environmental impacts that must be carefully assessed.

Environmental Impacts of Coal-Fired Thermal Plants:

• Air Pollution: Coal-fired thermal plants emit large quantities of pollutants, including sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), and particulate matter (PM). These emissions contribute to air quality deterioration and respiratory problems. For example, the NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation) coal-fired plant at Vindhyachal has faced challenges related to high SO₂ and NOₓ emissions.
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Coal plants are major sources of carbon dioxide (CO₂), a greenhouse gas contributing to global warming and climate change. The increased carbon footprint from such plants exacerbates climate change impacts. The recent focus on reducing carbon emissions has highlighted the need for cleaner technologies.
• Water Usage and Pollution: These plants require large quantities of water for cooling and generate significant thermal and chemical pollution. The discharge of heated water and waste can harm aquatic ecosystems. For instance, the water used in cooling processes at coal plants like the one in Korba can lead to thermal pollution and impact local water bodies.
• Land Degradation: Mining coal from pitheads can result in deforestation, soil erosion, and habitat destruction. The reclamation of mined land is often insufficient, leading to long-term environmental damage. The coal mining activities in the Jharia region have caused severe land degradation and displacement of local communities.
• Health Impacts: Prolonged exposure to pollutants from coal plants can cause health issues, including respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and cancer. Studies have linked coal plant emissions to higher incidence rates of such health conditions in nearby communities.

Recent Examples:

• Jharia Coalfields: The Jharia coalfields in Jharkhand, one of the oldest coal mining areas in India, have suffered from severe environmental degradation due to coal mining activities. The area faces frequent land subsidence and air pollution, affecting the health and livelihood of local residents.
• Korba Thermal Power Plant: The Korba Thermal Power Plant in Chhattisgarh has been criticized for its high water consumption and significant impact on local water resources. The plant’s cooling operations and waste disposal practices have led to environmental concerns, including thermal pollution in the nearby Hasdeo River.

Conclusion: Coal-fired thermal plants at coal pitheads pose several environmental challenges, including air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, water usage and pollution, land degradation, and health impacts. EIA studies are essential to identify and mitigate these impacts, ensuring that such projects comply with environmental standards and contribute to sustainable development. As India continues to rely on coal for energy, improving the environmental performance of these plants and transitioning to cleaner energy sources are critical for minimizing their ecological footprint.