Chandrapur Super Thermal Power Station (CSTPS) is the biggest ‘pit head’ Thermal Power Station of the Maharashtra State Electricity Board. The project is located near Chandrapur, Maharastra [1] Many of the plant's units have now become old (Nos. 1 and 2 units had started as early as in 1983 and 1984 respectively). Also, the heights of the chimneys are less than the prescribed norms for thermal power stations. These old units of CSTPS are constantly violating pollution control standards.
Eco-Pro, a local non-profit organization, is constantly fighting against CSTPS pollution and asking for the information under the ‘Right to Information act’( RTI). The information supplied under the RTI act has mentioned that the unchecked pollution poisoned the atmosphere in Chandrapur city and around. The old units are regularly discharging suspended particulate matter (SPM) at an average of 383.1mg/Nm3 and 642.92 mg/Nm3 respectively as against the standard of 100 mg/Nm3 [2].
CSTPS emission consists of nitrogen oxide and sulphur oxides along with several volatile organic compounds. Such pollutants add to the threat of pre-natal deaths and respiratory disorders among local residents. Children are particularly prone to hazardous effect of these chemicals. The high pollution level in the local atmosphere is a threat to the biodiversity of the area.
The Power station complex is located near the famous Tadoba National Park. So, the discharges from CSTPS old units have affected the growth of crops and disturbed the wild life and biodiversity in the area [2, 3]
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