AP Coastal Coal Based Power Plants -Ecological Disaster?

PSC 192 Report on CPCB

          

The Parliamentary Standing Committee (PSC) on Science & Technology and Environment & Forests, in its 192 Report submitted to the Parliament, observed that the share of SPM load caused by Coal based Thermal Power Plants  is about 82% of the total Industrial Pollution. It is also observed that the Committee is aware of the importance of energy & power as the main driving force in the process of economic development, but at the same time it feels that the country can not afford to ignore and neglect the importance of environment.  It, therefore, emphasized the need to switch over to green sources of energy, as a long term solution of energy requirements.

 

Environmental Impact of Coastal Coal Based Power Plants in AP State

    

As per the information available, the coal based Thermal Power Plants (TPPs) with an estimated capacity of more than 30,000 MW, are expected to be set up along the coast in AP State, by end of the 12 th Plan Period (2017). An integrated and comprehensive study of Environmental Impact, of setting up of such huge capacities, using estimated 180 million tons of coal & generating 45 million tons of coal ash per annum, is to be undertaken before any more projects are cleared along the coast.(6000 tons of Coal/MW/Annum and 25% ash content)

 

 In addition to the adverse impact of SPM, the problems of Mercury, NoX, SO2 etc emissions from TPPs, and the Coal Ash, containing toxic heavy metals like arsenic, lead and selenium that can cause cancer and neurological problems, need to be studied. on marine and coastal ecology & biodiversity and their adverse impacts on the livelihood of the communities dependent on them, The other aspect to be addressed is the destruction of ecologically sensitive coastal natural resources such as Mangroves, Wetlands etc by the location of proposed TPPs.

                                                     

Likely Impact of TPPS around Krishnapatnam on SHAR at Srihari Kota

 

Out of the estimated 30,000 MW capacity to be set up on AP Coast, about 17,000 MW capacity is expected to come up in and around Krishnapatnam alone in Nellore district. The likely adverse impact of this on SHAR at Srihari Kota and Pulicat Wildlife Sanctuary and Pulicat Lake, the second largest brackish water Eco-System in the country, needs to be examined.

 

The comprehensive and integrated environmental impact assessment of these TPPs along with the Thermal Power Plant at Ennore in Tamilnadu, on SHAR and Pulicat Lake, need to be undertaken , if not already done, before  any of the new TPPS are permitted and the ones already permitted in the area are commissioned.

 

The Indian Space Research Organization ( ISRO ) and the Department of Forests (Wildlife) Andhra Pradesh need to be consulted before permitting TPPs and Polluting activities in the area.

 

Conclusion 

 

  The integrated & comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment of the proposed & existing projects along the coast in AP State, need to be under taken to evaluate the cumulative adverse impacts on coastal communities and marine & coastal resources in particular, before any new project is permitted.

 

 Also adequate precautions need to be taken to prevent destruction of sensitive natural resources such as Mangroves, Wetlands etc and ensure their protection, before any projects are permitted.