Chandrapur coal plant caused 251 deaths in 2020: Study

A coal-fired power plant in Chandrapur is triggering serious health problems not only in its vicinity but also in faraway places like Pune and Mumbai, said a study by an independent organisation. Air pollution caused by the state-owned Chandrapur Super Thermal Power Station (CSTPS), which sits 150 km from Nagpur, was behind over 250 deaths in 2020, said the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air.

The report on the impact of the 2,920-MW power plant comes against the backdrop of the National Green Tribunal observing violations of air quality norms by the CSTPS in its order in January.

Children are more vulnerable to toxic particles emitted by thermal plants. Representation pic

"The health of an entire population cannot be compromised because of apathy from power companies like Maharashtra State Power Generation Company (MAHAGENCO), there must be strict action taken against polluters to ensure compliance and pollution reduction," said Sunil Dahiya, an analyst at the organisation and one of the authors of the report.

Air pollution due to the power plant led to 34,000 sick leave days in Chandrapur and 30,000 days of absenteeism in Nagpur in 2020," said Dahiya. Toxic particles shot by such plants travel hundreds of kilometres, affecting children, the elderly, and pregnant women. CSTPS is just one of the scores of thermal power station units across the country that add to air pollution. Dahiya said these plants should instal flue gas desulphurisation technology to reduce their harmful emissions.

Prof Yogesh Dudhpachare, a member of Chandrapur Clean Air Action Group, said that despite being one of the oldest and the largest coal power plants in Maharashtra, none of the seven units at the CSTPS complies with the emission standards. "Despite the violations, there is no concrete action against CSTPS nor are they enforced to implement emission norms by Maharashtra Pollution Control Board. Even as the majority of the electricity utilisation is happening outside the district, the people of Chandrapur are paying the price of the state's electricity requirements with their health," he said, adding that the demands of citizens were to shut down of units 3 & 4 and ensure emission norms are adhered by CSTPS.

The report says there are several coal-fired power plants across the country that add to the air pollution. Representation pic

Dr Gopal Mundhada, paediatrician & president of Chandrapur Bachav Sangharsh Samiti, said, "There has been a sharp increase in people being diagnosed with respiratory issues including allergies and other complications. We also understand that maximum medicines sold across Chandrapur city are for skin allergies and improving respiratory conditions. NGT has already asked for a committee for carrying out health mapping and we would also share this report by CREA with them. The people of Chandrapur have suffered enough and they now need justice."

2,920 MW
Capacity of the thermal power plant