Answer:

Introduction:

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) studies have become a crucial part of the project clearance process, ensuring that the environmental impact of any proposed project is thoroughly evaluated. In the coal-fired thermal plants located at coal pitheads, the impact on the environment is significant, and the EIA studies play a critical role in identifying and mitigating these impacts.

Body:

• Air Pollution: Coal-fired thermal plants are one of the primary sources of air pollution in India. These plants emit large amounts of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides into the air, contributing to smog, acid rain, and respiratory illnesses.
• Water Pollution: Thermal power plants use large amounts of water for cooling purposes, leading to the discharge of hot water into nearby water bodies. This hot water can significantly affect aquatic life and reduce water quality. The discharge of fly ash and other pollutants into rivers and lakes can also lead to water pollution.
• Soil Contamination: Coal ash, a byproduct of coal-fired thermal plants, contains heavy metals such as arsenic, mercury, and lead, which can contaminate soil and groundwater. This contamination can harm the health of humans, animals, and plants and disrupt local ecosystems.

Example: The proposed 1320 MW Khurja Super Thermal Power Plant in Uttar Pradesh, India, located near the coal pithead, has raised concerns about its potential environmental impact. Environmental Impact Assessment studies are being conducted to evaluate the project’s impact on the environment and the local community.

Conclusion:

Coal-fired thermal plants located at coal pitheads have significant environmental impacts, ranging from air and water pollution to land degradation. EIA studies are necessary to identify these impacts and develop measures to mitigate them. The government needs to ensure that the EIA studies are conducted independently, and the mitigation measures are strictly enforced to minimize the adverse impact on the environment.