Environment & Ecology2023
With reference to coal-based thermal power plants in India, consider the following statements:
- None of them uses seawater.
- None of them is set up in water-stressed district
- None of them is privately owned.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Explanation
The correct option is "None", as all three statements are incorrect. Firstly, many coal-based thermal power plants in India use seawater for cooling, particularly those located along the coast. Secondly, while some plants may be situated in water-stressed regions, it is not accurate to state that none are located in such districts, as several have been set up in areas facing water scarcity. Lastly, private entities do own coal-based thermal power plants in India, reflecting the privatization of the energy sector. Understanding these nuances highlights the complexity of India's energy landscape, an important focus area in UPSC studies related to energy security and resource management.
