Scrap Chamalapura Coal Fired Thermal Power Project

http://current.com/items/88840216_death_knell_to_nilgiris_biosphere
Pl watch this Documentary/VIDEO 'Death Knell to Nilgiri Biosphere' -by two TV journalists K.G. Vasuki of ANI and Maya Jaideep of NDTV 24x7
Update: Fri, Aug 01, 2008-Pl click view whole petition for photos / pictures

- PHOTO: M.A. SRIRAM The Hindu Wednesday, Sep 19, 2007
GREENERY UNDER THREAT: The lush green ambience of Chamalapura village is under threat from the thermal power project.

http://www.esgindia.org/campaigns/Chamalapura/images/DSCF0490.JPG


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http://www.hindu.com/2008/07/31/stories/2008073153520300.htm

Activists to resume agitation against Chamalapura project: The Hindu Thursday, Jul 31, 2008

It is in the wake of the Government dithering on the issue

On June 29, Eshwarappa said a decision would be taken %u2018in a month%u2019

Local BJP MLAs have decided to join the agitation against the project

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/rssarticleshow/msid-3272173,prtpage-1.cms

The state plans to set up a 2000 MW power station in Chattisgarh, and 1000 MW units each in Chamalapura, Ghataprabha and Jewargi. : The Times of India 24 Jul 2008, 0355 hrs IST, TNN (Times News Network)

http://www.thehindu.com/2008/06/30/stories/2008063052110500.htm

Decision on Chamalapura plant in a month: Minister The Hindu Monday, Jun 30, 2008

Eshwarappa says there has been no progress on the project

Opinion of experts and those opposed to project to be sought

Minister says BJP will not go against sentiments of local community

- PHOTO: M.A. SRIRAM The Hindu Monday, Jun 30, 2008
SEEKING PUBLIC OPINION: Minister for Power K.S. Eshwarappa at a public hearing on the Chamalapura power plant, in Mysore on Sunday.

http://www.esgindia.org/campaigns/Chamalapura/press/ESG_Press_Cpura_KERC_Submission_040408.pdf

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/06/21/stories/2006062100391000.htm

Ultra Mega Projects may not be a powerful idea: The Hindu Business Line June 21 2006


A VARIETY OF factors cloud the viability of ultra mega power projects.-PHOTO The Hindu Business Line June 21 2006

Large power projects may be good politics but raise serious questions of viability - economic and ecology.

Instead, a more realistic development model would be to build small power plants distributed evenly across the country so that the sustainability of all resources is achieved even while the development targets are met

http://www.thehindu.com/2008/06/20/stories/2008062058010300.htm

Chamalapura power plant may not take off: The Hindu Friday, Jun 20, 2008

Karnataka Udyog Mitra is reluctant to clear proposal

KERC asks Government to take a fresh decision

http://www.hindu.com/2008/06/20/stories/2008062055601000.htm

Involve experts in power projects: environmentalists - The Hindu Friday, Jun 20, 2008

http://www.esgindia.org/campaigns/Chamalapura/press/ESG_PressRelcpuradropped_17June08.pdf

Chamalapura Power Plant likely to be dropped 17th June 2008

http://www.karmayog.org/environment/environment_15762.htm

Reconsider coal based thermal power plant at Chamalapura Mysore: KERC - Deccan Herald Friday, June 6, 2008

Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) has advised the government to reconsider Chamalapura thermal power plant

http://www.deccanherald.com/Content/Jun62008/state2008060671991.asp

Reconsider thermal unit at Chamalapura: KERC - Deccan Herald Friday, June 6, 2008

http://www.karmayog.org/environment/environment_15671.htm

Chamalapura plant: KERC wants a re-look at coal-based thermal power project - The Hindu Saturday, May 31, 2008

KERC has asked Karnataka government to set up a committee to study desirability of coal-based thermal power plant project

http://www.hindu.com/2008/05/31/stories/2008053156440300.htm

Chamalapura plant: KERC wants a re-look at project - The Hindu Saturday, May 31, 2008

Provisions of Electricity Act used to oppose the power plant

KERC has asked government to set up a committee to study desirability of project

The commission has accepted many of the demands of Mysore Grahakara Parishat

http://www.karmayog.org/environment/environment_16797.htm

Karnataka government violated bidding guidelines / norms: KERC - TOI

Karnataka government violated guidelines / norms issued by the Centre in the bidding process, says KERC - Battle For Chamalapura - The Times of India Print Edition, Mysore, Times City, Page 03 - Saturday, May 31, 2008 - Times News Network

http://www.karmayog.org/environment/environment_15669.htm

KERC advises Karnataka government to take a fresh decision on Chamalapura - Press Release - Mysore Grahakara Parishat (Mysore Consumers' Union) Friday, May 30, 2008

KERC advises Karnataka government to take a fresh decision on the Coal-based Thermal Power Plant Project @ Chamalapura Mysore

http://www.karmayog.org/environment/environment_15666.htm

Chamalapura Plant's no Environmental Clearance - Star of Mysore -April 2008

Chamalapura Plant has no Environmental / Eco Clearance - Voice of The Reader - Star of Mysore - Tuesday, April 22, 2008 - SOM

http://www.karmayog.org/environment/environment_14252.htm

http://www.karmayog.org/environment/environment_14247.htm

Licence for construction of two 250 MW (2*250=500 MW) plants at Chamalapura has expired - Mysore Grahakara Parishat or MGP Times City - Page 3 - Battle For Chamalapura - The Times of India, Print Edition, Mysore - Monday, April 14, 2008

The 1998 licence/license with a validity of 05 years for construction of two 250 MW (2*250=500 MW) plants at Chamalapura has expired in 2003

http://www.karmayog.org/environment/environment_14245.htm

Environmental Clearance to Chamalapura Plant - Some Questions Sunday, April 13, 2008

http://www.karmayog.org/environment/environment_14065.htm

Centre rejected eco-clearance for Chamalapura project in 1998: The Hindu Saturday, April 05, 2008

Revocable conditional environmental clearance was issued for a smaller power plant of 500 MW capacity at the same site.

http://www.hindu.com/2008/04/05/stories/2008040554060400.htm

Centre rejected eco-clearance for Chamalapura project in 1998: The Hindu Saturday, April 05, 2008

Environmental clearance was issued for a smaller power plant of 500 MW capacity at the same site

The clearance was issued subject to terms and conditions

The project has evoked widespread opposition from various sections of society

The KERC order can be downloaded from

http://www.kerc.org/english/index.html

No water in Kabini for Chamalapura coal fired power plant: Environment Support Group 04 April 2008

http://www.esgindia.org/campaigns/Chamalapura/docs/Annexures_A-H_Cpura_Rep_KERC_ESG_Apr08.pdf

Representation to KERC on Chamalapura - From ESG Annexures S.No.

http://www.esgindia.org/campaigns/Chamalapura/docs/Representation_ESG_KERC_Public%20Hearing_March2008.pdf

Representation to the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) : Environment Support Group

http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/26/stories/2008032653810400.htm

Karnataka stand on Cauvery award untenable: State - The Hindu Wednesday, Mar 26, 2008

Rejoinder to suit filed in Supreme Court

"Tribunal%u2019s interim order will continue to be in force till final award is notified"

"Karnataka is duty bound to conform to and obey implicitly the interim order"

http://deccanherald.com/Content/Mar262008/national2008032659520.asp

Cauvery dispute - TN wants SC to restrain K'taka: Deccan Herald, Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Tamil Nadu has sought the direction of the Supreme Court restraining Karnataka from constructing check dams and impounding additional water from the Cauvery basin in violation of the Tribunal's award.

http://www.hindu.com/2008/03/21/stories/2008032158080300.htm

Resolution passed against power project at Chamalapura: The Hindu Friday, Mar 21, 2008

People attend KERC public hearing braving inclement weather

The project entails acquisition of 2,000 acres of land and eviction of 20,000 people

%u2018No known coal reserve in the vicinity of the project site%u2019

-Photo: M.A. SRIRAM The Hindu Friday, Mar 21, 2008
Registering opposition: A farmer making a plea to Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission Chairman K.P. Pandey during the public hearing at Chamalapura onThursday.

http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/19/stories/2008031952410500.htm

Chamalapura: Documentary shows risks - The Hindu Wednesday, Mar 19, 2008


UNDER THREAT: The documentary %u2018Death Knell to Nilgiri Biosphere%u2019 raises questions on the future of wildlife which frequent Chamalapura. - PHOTO: The Hindu Wednesday, Mar 19, 2008

http://current.com/items/88840216_death_knell_to_nilgiris_biosphere

http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/12/stories/2008031254650600.htm

Chamalapura power project: all eyes are now on KERC public hearing - The Hindu Wednesday, Mar 12, 2008

http://www.hindu.com/2008/03/10/stories/2008031057760300.htm

Public hearing at Chamalapura on March 20 : The Hindu Monday, Mar 10,2008

http://www.hindu.com/2008/02/20/stories/2008022051110600.htm

Will the tiger force the Government to drop Chamalapura power plant?: The Hindu Wednesday, Feb 20, 2008

- PHOTO: M.A. SRIRAM The Hindu Wednesday, Feb 20, 2008

THERE IS HOPE: Chamalapura village where the Government is planning to set up a thermal power plant.

http://www.hindu.com/2007/12/21/stories/2007122157600300.htm

'Power project may be dropped if it is in violation of norms' :The Hindu Friday, Dec 21, 2007

Union Power Minister Sushilkumar Shinde responds to Vijayshankar%u2019s note

Environmental impact assessment report to be prepared by an independent firm

There has been widespread opposition to the proposed plant at Chamalapura

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/10/18/AR2007101802452.html

Coal-Fired Power Plant Rejected Over Carbon Dioxide Emissions  For First Time - Washington Post Staff Writer Friday, October 19, 2007

http://www.hindu.com/2007/10/08/stories/2007100853210300.htm

'Chamalapura plant throws norms to the winds%u2019: The Hindu Aug 10, 2007

Notices issued by citizens%u2019 forum highlights violation of law

http://www.hinduonnet.com/2007/09/19/stories/2007091951480300.htm

Chamalapura shadow looms over civic poll: The Hindu Wednesday, Sep 19, 2007

'Reject candidates supporting the project'

http://www.hinduonnet.com/2007/09/02/stories/2007090250180100.htm

Government to go ahead with Chamalapura power project: The Hindu Sunday, Sep 02, 2007


-PHOTO The Hindu Sunday, Sep 02, 2007

About 3,000 acres of land would be required to set up the plant

http://www.hindu.com/2007/08/19/stories/2007081953530500.htm

Take a re-look at power plant, citizens group urges Government: The Hindu Sunday, Aug 19, 2007

What elements of nature did not do for centuries, Chamalapura plant will do%u2019

The plant will release 6,000 tonnes of fly ash every day

Government%u2019s failure to consult agricultural scientists questioned

http://www.thehindu.com/2007/06/16/stories/2007061653690500.htm

Chamalapura valley under threat: The Hindu Saturday, Jun 16, 2007

Coal-based thermal power project likely to render a large number of families landless


A VALLEY IN DANGER: A view of the valley around Chamalapura from atop the Malleshwara Betta. The valley faces danger as a thermal power plant is likely to come up in the area. PHOTO: The Hindu Saturday, Jun 16, 2007

http://www.hinduonnet.com/2007/09/19/stories/2007091953440400.htm

Farmers are in a belligerent mood :The Hindu Wednesday, Sep 19, 2007

People in 10 villages around Chamalapura are keeping a close watch on strangers

Seventy year old Thayamma keeps a watch on strangers entering the village.
- PHOTOS: M.A. SRIRAM The Hindu Wednesday, Sep 19, 2007

GREENERY UNDER THREAT: The lush green ambience of Chamalapura village is under threat from the thermal power project.

http://www.hindu.com/2007/09/12/stories/2007091253161000.htm

A case for tapping alternative energy sources: The Hindu Wednesday, Sep 12, 2007


- PHOTO The Hindu Wednesday, Sep 12, 2007

http://www.deccanherald.com/Content/Sep42007/state2007090423318.asp?section=updatenews

Chamalapura Plant: Cong asks Govt to clarify stand - Deccan Herald Tuesday, September 4, 2007

http://www.hindu.com/2007/08/23/stories/2007082358310300.htm

Three injured as police cane agitating Chamalapura farmers: The Hindu Thursday, Aug 23, 2007

The condition of one of them is said to be serious

-PHOTO: M.A. SRIRAM The Hindu Thursday, Aug 23, 2007
 
Protest turns ugly: Policemen taking away an activist protesting against the Chamalapura power project, in Mysore on Wednesday.

http://www.deccanherald.com/Content/Jun272007/district200706269611.asp

Chamalapura project: indefenite fast planned from July 5: Deccan Herald Wednesday, June 27, 2007

http://www.hindu.com/2007/06/15/stories/2007061550390300.htm

People ready for struggle against thermal power plant: The Hindu Friday, Jun 15, 2007

500 attend the first public meeting against the project


Threat to environment: Former Minister M. Shivanna and people of Chamalapura and surrounding villages atop the Malleshwara Betta on Thursday surveying the valley below where a thermal power plant is to be established. - PHOTO The Hindu Friday, Jun 15, 2007

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2006-10/25/content_716231.htm

Experts urge cap on power plants' sulphur dioxide emissions: (China Daily) - Updated: 2006-10-25 08:56 October 25, 2006

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How Acid Rain Works (Photo)
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The Greenhouse Effect (Photo)
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Global Warming: causes and effects (Photo)
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Coal-fired or coal-based 1,250-MW or 1,350-MW thermal power plant project CFTPP / CBTPP at Chamalapura (20 Kms away from Mysore / Mysuru) is meant for providing power to a distant Bangalore / Bengaluru which is 162 Kms away. Pristine valley of Kodagu is 35 Kms away.

It'll/It'd will burn 600 tons of coal per day. It'll/It'd discharge Sulphur dioxide (180 tons/day), Nitrous oxide (50 tons/day), Solid particulate matter (five/05 tons/day) and Fly ash (6,000 tons/day) and also massive amounts of toxic Mercury (Hg), Black Carbon or BC, Sulphates, Carbon dioxide (CO2), Arsenic (An) and Lead (Pb) every day.

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2006-10/25/content_716231.htm

Experts urge cap on power plants' sulphur dioxide emissions: (China Daily)- Updated: 2006-10-25 08:56 October 25, 2006

US experts have suggested China's air pollution controls should start with caps on the sulphur dioxide emissions of coal power stations.

Nearly half of China's cities have heavily polluted air, according to State Environmental Protection Administration (SEPA).

Coal-fired power plants alone emit more than 60% of the total sulphur dioxide pollution, with SEPA statistics showing that 16 million tons out of the total 25.5 million tons of sulphur dioxide was emitted by coal power stations.

A typical 1000-megawatt coal-burning plant emits 100,000 tons of sulphur dioxide, 75,000 tons of nitrogen oxides, and 5000 tons of fly ash into the environment per year while a typical 1000-megawatt oil-burning plant emits about 16,000 tons of sulphur dioxide and 20,000 tons of nitrogen oxides.

These emissions account for damaging human lungs, the formation of acid precipitation that defaces monuments and buildings and kills the life in countless lakes.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/10/18/AR2007101802452.html

Coal-Fired Power Plant Rejected Over Carbon Dioxide Emissions For First Time: Washington Post Staff Writer Friday, October 19, 2007

It'll/It'd (Chamalapura plant would) burn over 150 million tonnes/tons of coal every year (that doesn't make any economic sense either as coal's to be transported from a distant Talcher in Orissa).

Fumes and fly ash emitted will devastate a radius of more than 25-50 Kms surrounding the project site including flora and fauna in Bandipur / Bandipura and Nagarhole / Nagarahole national parks.

04/FOUR billion litres of water a/per day will be drawn from the Kabini river (Equal to entire quantity consumed by Bangalore City).

Karnataka Government didn't consult agricultural scientists as 3,000 acres of agriculturally rich fertile land or lush green vegetation with sugarcane fields and coconut trees and reserve forests with water bodies full to the brim will become a desert.

Karnataka government hasn't conducted any debate / public hearing.

The stage is set for another confrontation on the lines of Nandigram / Nandigrama (Kannada version) in West Bengal (WB), according to the people of Chamalapura who have vowed not to part with their land.

The slurry from the thermal plant (TP) and tons of coal used to fuel the plant in open yards will pollute the rivers and jeopardise the existence of thousands of people living in the downstream of the two rivers.

The fly ash and carbon discharged from the TPP gets deposited in the atmosphere and mingles with water vapour and comes down in the form of acid rain during monsoon.

The southwest monsoon winds from here will/would drive clouds towards Mysore / Mysuru.

The 3,000-acre land required for the plant will also include large tracts of forests that will be used to dump coal.

The run offs during rainy season will flow into the rivers and fields and destroy the ecosystem of the Cauvery and Kabini valleys and the surrounding forests of Bandipur / Bandipura and Nagarhole / Nagarahole.

It is pertinent to note that 47 thermal power stations were blacklisted by the Government in China for not conforming to the environmental regulations.

Meanwhile, a senior Government official confided that apart from 3,000 acres of land, the project proponents may also acquire about 800 acres of forests.

The negative impact on wildlife, flora and fauna, the rivers and lakhs of people within the vicinity including Mysore / Mysuru city, has been ignored.

Project would tantamount to signing the death warrant to the national parks at Bandipur / Bandipura and Nagarhole / Nagarahole.

The impact of fly ash on the flora and fauna, the community health and on forests because of reduced transpiration should open the eyes of the project promoters.

The Nagarahole-Bandipur-Mudumalai-Wyanad forests have the single largest population of tigers in India and was the best bet for its conservation.

The number of tigers in India has/have slid from around 3,500 to about 1,400.

Bandipur / Bandipura and Nagarhole / Nagarahole forest, which will be subject(ed) to the fly ash, particulate and gaseous pollution that will destroy the forest and all the wildlife living in it.

Besides displacement of thousands of people and ill-health for lakhs of people, the Chamalapura power plant will spell doom for the forests of Western Ghats, its inhabitants, and the rivers that flow because of the forests.

The flyash that is generated in the thermal plants and released into the air has a very high temperature and this increases the ambient temperature in/of the surrounding region and affects vegetation in an area of 25-50 Kms radius because of which Mysore / Mysuru region may become a furnace during summer.

The Mysore / Mysuru Palace was constructed using mainly limestone and sand. The gases and dust would gradually corrode the surface, discolour the facade and weaken the structure.

What elements of nature did not do for centuries, the power plant would do it in a few years.

The site feasibility study for the project has not been conducted by the Karnataka Government.

The finest of electrostatic precipitators could not trap dust particle less than 65 microgram which permeate and corrode all surfaces over a period of time.

http://www.esgindia.org/campaigns/Chamalapura/Chamalapura.html

Background

http://www.esgindia.org/campaigns/Chamalapura/Cham.jpg

In early 2007 news of locating a 1000 MW coal fired thermal power plant (TPP) south-west of Mysore / Mysuru city in a village called Chamalapura floated around.

Approximately keeping the little village at the epicenter / epicentre, land acquisition of around 3000 acres was expected (some of which was expected to be forest land, with claims varying from 200 to 800 acres).

The area affected would then be within the three taluks which border in that region, namely, H.D.Kote and bits of Hunsur and Mysore / Mysuru taluks.

The project is being operationalised using the public private partnership model.

Already a notification regarding Expression of Interest (EOI) has been floated in February 2007 and is said to have drawn responses from thirty companies including Reliance and Tatas.

More recently, through a global advertisement tender released on August 08, 2007 the State Power Procurement Co-ordination Centre (SPPCC) has commenced the process for development of thermal plants (TPs) on behalf of the State owned distribution licensee, the Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL).

http://www.mospi.gov.in/research_studies_post_clearance.htm

Summary report of the study on "Post-Clearance Environmental Impacts and Cost-benefit Analysis of Power Generation in India" Conducted by National Environmental Engineering Research Institute February, 2006

Air Pollution / Pollutant

Almost all >(greater than) 100 MW Coal based / fired thermal power plants or CBTPPs or CFTPPs by consuming thousands of tons of coal daily, heavily pollute the air of the surrounding region. Burning coal also releases massive amounts of toxic mercury (Hg) and arsenic.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Coal is considered a heavily polluting fuel in terms of black carbon, sulphates and other gaseous pollutants primarily due to incomplete and inefficient combustion. CBTPPs/CFTPPs are responsible for almost 21% of the greenhouse gas emissions.

Official figures from China in 2003 suggest that TPPs using coal, released over 11 million tons of sulphur dioxide or SO2 into the air, accounting for more than 50% of the total emissions in the country.

India is fifth (in the year 2001) in the world in carbon emissions (251 million metric tons of carbon equivalent). Emission levels in the CBTPPs are high.

Black Carbon or BC

Black Carbon or BC due to the TPPs causes dense / intense fog, haze and smog as in the Indo-Gangetic or I-G/IG basin or as in the northern Indian plains during the winter season and brings day to day life to standstill.

An intense air pollution will/would persist throughout the year in the Mysore / Mysuru region.

http://www-misr.jpl.nasa.gov/

An increase in the concentration of BC produces changes in the monsoon (rainfall) patterns and abnormal heating of the atmosphere as BC is strongly absorbing in nature.

Global Warming and Climate Change

Coal is the most carbon intensive of all fossil fuels, emits massive amounts of carbon dioxide or CO2 leading to global warming and climate change.

Respiratory Ailments

SO2 or Sulphur dioxide causes a number of health problems, including respiratory disorders.

Water Environment

Water slurry is used to take the ash from the power plant to the ash pond for disposal.

The water may contain harmful heavy metals like boron, which have a tendency to leach out over a period of time. Due to this the ground water gets polluted and becomes unsuitable for domestic use.

The second factor affecting the water environment is the release of ash pond decant into the local water bodies. This is harmful to the fisheries and other aquatic biota in the water body.

http://www.goldschmidt2007.org/abstracts/A617.pdf

Geochemical hazard by coal-ash from a CBTPP in Kolaghat, West Bengal, India

Huge amounts of ash rich in toxic trace elements and radioactive elements or radionuclides, are disposed off in large ponds and on open grounds surrounding the power plant, thus contaminating the topsoil and the subsurface aquifer.

Absence of an underground lining permits easy mixing of the ash with the topsoil of the area. Al, As, Zn, Mo, Ba, V, Mo, Cd, Mn, and Pb exceed the WHO guidelines for drinking water in the tube well waters near/around TPPs.

People living near the ash ponds are subjected to a high dose of radiation from the ash ponds and the soil cover, which is ~ (approximately) 2.6 times higher than the world average (2.6*world average.

Noise

The exposure of employees to high noise levels is more in the CBTPPs.

Land Environment

The natural soil becomes more alkaline due to the alkaline nature of flyash thereby damaging the agriculture / agricultural sector.

Biological Environment

The effect on biological environment can be divided into two parts, viz. the effect on flora and the effect on fauna.

Effect on flora is due to two main reasons land acquisition and due to flue (combustion exhaust) gas emissions. Land acquisition leads to loss of habitat of some species.

Socio-Economic Environment

The study of the effects of power plants on the socio-economic environment is based on three parameters, viz. Resettlement and Rehabilitation (R&R), effect on local civic amenities and work related hazards to employees of the power plants.

The CBTPP has the highest number of accidents due to hazardous working conditions.

Assessment of Uncertainties

The development of civic amenities due to the setting of a CBTPP/CFTPP project is directly proportional to its size or installed capacity.

Higher the capacity greater the civic amenities, pollution, hazardous working conditions and health hazards.

http://www.mospi.gov.in/research_studies_post_clearance.htm

Summary report of the study on "Post-Clearance Environmental Impacts and Cost-benefit Analysis of Power Generation in India" Conducted by National Environmental Engineering Research Institute February, 2006

http://www.cleanairnet.org/caiasia/1412/articles-70482_paper.pdf

Clean Air Initiative: Asia - Influence of coal based thermal power plants (CBTPPs) on aerosol optical properties in the Indo-Gangetic basin

India is the third-largest producer of coal in the world (365 million tons, 2003-04), where the coal used in the power plants is of poor quality (mostly E-F grade or lignite) with high ash content (35-50%) and low calorific value.

http://www.eia.doe.gov/

Therefore, preference should be given to promotion of cleaner sources of energy to reduce the pollutant load in the atmospheres over India and China.

The total pollution load from the transport sector in India is quantitatively second to the thermal power (TP) sector.

http://envfor.nic.in/soer/2001/ind_air.pdf

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6VB2-49JX8M4-2&_user=10&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=2acdb1f1c70877bbe3473a612666b622

Environmental impact of coal industry and thermal power plants in India

The problems associated with the use of coal are low calorific value and very high ash content. The ash content is as high as 55-60%, with an average value of about 35-40%.

Further, most of the coal is located in the eastern parts of the country and requires transportation over long distances, mostly by trains, which run on diesel. About 70% oil is imported and is a big drain on India's hard currency.

http://www.sanctuaryasia.com/takeaction/detailcampaign.php?id=34

Campaigns Thermal Trauma, February 2007

Ash samples taken from the 735-MW CFTPP in Pagbilao, Quezon in the Philippines operated by Mirant were found positive for mercury, arsenic and lead.

Environmental impact of coal industry and thermal power plants in India

http://www.esgindia.org/campaigns/Chamalapura/current/current.html

Current Situation (Chamalapura)


http://www.esgindia.org/campaigns/Chamalapura/docs/Translated_letter_KIADB.pdf

KIADB Follow up RTI letter: Translated Copy of Letter from the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board

http://www.esgindia.org/campaigns/Chamalapura/docs/Representation_ESG_KERC_Public%20Hearing_March2008.pdf

Representation to the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission challenging the siting of a coal fired thermal power plant (presently 1000 MW) at Chamalapura, Mysore / Mysuru District, Karnataka.

http://www.esgindia.org/campaigns/Chamalapura/docs/Representation_ESG_KERC_Public%20Hearing_March2008.pdf

http://www.esgindia.org/campaigns/Chamalapura/docs/Annexures_A-H_Cpura_Rep_KERC_ESG_Apr08.pdf

http://www.esgindia.org/campaigns/Chamalapura/docs/Final%20Chamalapura%20Order-6-5-08.doc

KERC Order dated 06 May 2008

No supportive conclusion can be drawn on the techno-economic and environmental viability for establishing a coal fired thermal power plant (CFTPP) at Chamalapura based on the information currently relied upon by the Government of Karnataka or GoK.

Chamalapura is a village in H. D. Kote taluk, about 20 Kms to the south west of Mysore / Mysuru city.

It forms the epicenter / epicentre of a group of villages that are proposed as the site for location of a 1000 / 1250 / 1350 MW coal fired thermal power plant (CFTPP).

Mysore / Mysuru city (approx. 20 Kms distance by road and 12 Kms by air): The second largest city in the state of Karnataka with a population (of) around 08 lakhs.

Krishna Raja Sagar/Sagara dam (approx. 25-28 Kms distance): Built on the Cauvery river, it is a major source of fresh water for the Mandya and Mysore / Mysuru districts.

It is one of the large reservoirs of Karnataka and the water is crucial / important for irrigation and supplying drinking water in dry seasons.

The ornamental Brindavan Gardens, situated right next to the dam is a famous tourist spot.

Other towns: Three large towns namely, H.D.Kote (approx. 18 Kms), Hunsur (approx 23 Kms) and Nanjangud (approx. 26 Kms) are also found within the radius.

Rajiv Gandhi National Park or the Nagarhole / Nagarahole National Park (approx. 20 Kms distance): Located in the border of the Kodagu and Mysore / Mysuru districts is the Nagarhole / Nagarahole National Park.

Renamed as the "Rajiv Gandhi National Park", Nagarhole / Nagarahole National Park, 643.30 sq. km, is part of the 5500 sq km Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.

The park is one of the best habitats known for the Asian Elephant. Tigers and leopards roam in this forest.

Over 250-300 species of birds have been identified in this park which lies at the foothills of the towering Western Ghats Mountain Range.

Bandipur / Bandipura National Park (approx. 30 Kms distance): One of the most well known parks in the country, it is one of the last few reserves where a large population of wild tigers roam free.

The Western Ghats, Nilgiri Sub-Cluster (6,000 km), including all of Bandipur / Bandipura National Park, is under consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for selection as a World Heritage Site.

Two major National Parks are in close proximity of this site: Rajiv Gandhi National Park at Nagarhole / Nagarahole is only about 20 Kms away and Bandipur / Bandipura National Park is approximately 30 Kms from these villages.

To the north of Chamalapura, over 2,000 elephants and other animals such as tigers and leopards and over 300 species of birds thrive in the jungles of Bandipur / Bandipura and Nagarahole / Nagarahole national parks (Project Tiger reserves).

This region is also wedged/situated between two major rivers, with River Kabini flowing to the south and the River Cauvery to the north.

The valley surrounding Chamalapura is a catchment area for the Cauvery and the Kabini.

The survey of India map (1991) shows that approximately 80 water bodies (perennial and non-perennial inter-connected lake systems) lie/lying within a radius of eight/08 kilometres from the Chamalapura village, with about 10 lakes located in the impacted villages.

The area is criss-crossed by the many canals which connect the lakes to each other. Due to this riverine system the underground water table in this region is high.

Water is available at a depth of 20-30 feet in an open well (which hardly ever go dry) and borewells with a 3-5 diameter driven to the depth of approximately 150-300 ft are sufficient to meet the villagers' drinking water needs.

Villagers have reported that in some case water is even available at the mere depth of 5 ft.

3000 acres of land (including forest land with claims of the extent of forest land involved varying between 200-800 acres) are to be acquired for the plant and its related facilities.

About 13 villages with a total population of approximately 13,000-20,000 are within this 3,000 acres zone, and this population will be displaced.

On 18 July 2007, the Karnataka Water Resources Department by its GO No WRD 28 WBM 2006 accorded in-principle approval for yearly / annual water usage of 1.56 TMC for each plant of which 0.039 TMC would for consumptive use of the proposed Chamalapura power plant (at 1000 MW installed capacity).

This water is to be drawn from the Cauvery basin.

Apart from Chamalapura, this Government Order also gives in-principle clearance to two other power projects to be located in the Cauvery Basin, taking the total allotment of water for these three power plants to 3.9 TMC.

NO WATER IN KABINI FOR CHAMALAPURA COAL FIRED POWER PLANT

May we ask what's the Karnataka Government's rationale for granting in-principle clearance to the allocation of 3.9 TMC (Thousand Million Cubic Feet) of water for use by three power plants from the Cauvery River Basin?

As per the data accessed from the Karnataka Water Resources Department and the Cauvery Neeravari Nigama Ltd. for the decade of 1997-2008, the Kabini River (which is in the Cauvery Basin) simply does not have 1.56 TMC of water for the 1,000 MW Chamalapura power plant and its ancillary facilities.

Over the past decade there has been a gradual decrease in the level of inflows into the Kabini reservoir.

In addition there has been decreasing availability of water for irrigation of summer crops, including nil releases into the canal for irrigation during the months of January to May in the years 2003 and 2004.

Water releases to power projects ought to be made from surplus available and that too only after meeting drinking water and agricultural needs.

This natural justice principle would be fundamentally violated if the power project was advanced relying on waters from Kabini.

Kabini has failed to meet even agricultural needs consistently over the past decade.

The Karnataka Government's commitment of Kabini waters to the power plant would further aggravate the water stressed situation in the region.

Any allocation to industry or infrastructure development from the Kabini would have disastrous consequences to wildlife populations, particularly in the Nagarahole / Nagarahole National Park.

Further, it would accentuate the distress amongst farmers downstream and also pollute and limit drinking water for Nanjangud, Mysore / Mysuru and Bangalore / Bengaluru and other urban centres.

This would result in the needless development of conflict between the project developer and downstream farming and urban communities.

We've critical concerns over the allocation of water for power plants from the Cauvery River basin in the context of highly contested claims to the rivers' waters from the riparian states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Pondicherry.

The serious social tensions developing in Karnataka against downstream Tamil Nadu's proposals to build dams for providing drinking water at Hogenekkal, simply demanded more prudence in the use of the Cauvery Basin's water.

In such a scenario making an allocation for diverting water for thermal power projects (TPPs), that too without assessing the actual availability or consulting other riparian states, was a wholly inappropriate step on the part of the Karnataka Government.

Given that the Government has committed to 85% Plant Load Factor for the power project, the serious impediments of not having water during the summer months would greatly increase the risk of the Government abrogating its commitments.

This could have serious economic and business repercussions, as the investor is more than likely to drag the government into an international arbitration (as in the case of the Dabhol Power Plant by the erstwhile Enron Corporation), in addition to suing the State in India.

To have not addressed such concerns before initiating a massive advertisement campaign seeking investors for the project, is an approach that betrays a lack of forethought on the part of the Government.

The Government should've been more transparent in its approach before taking a decision to call for international bids.

Shockingly, the only piece of information that the Karnataka Government and its agencies had shared with the public, especially affected communities, was the one page advertisement calling for EOI and RFQ (Request for Qualification).

Clearly, this form of secrecy is not healthy in any act of governance, especially energy development given its long term socio-economic and environmental implications.

http://www.esgindia.org/campaigns/Chamalapura/docs/Annexures_A-H_Cpura_Rep_KERC_ESG_Apr08.pdf

The categorization and siting standards are also accessible on the KSPCB website at: http://kspcb.kar.nic.in/to_setupnewindustry.htm

Siting Standard (KSPCB and Karnataka Dept of Ecology and Environment)

The Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) or any other agency developing industrial area shall obtain Environmental clearance from the Department of Ecology and environment and clearance from the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board before establishing such area.

Chamalapura Site's non-compliance

KIADB has admittedly not obtained any such permission, and yet is willing to initiate land acquisition at the request of SPPCC for the power plant.

Guidelines for Siting Thermal Power Plants, 1987 (MoEF)

Location of Thermal power plants should be avoided within 25 Kms of the outer peripheries of national parks and sanctuaries.

Siting Standard (KSPCB and Karnataka Dept of Ecology and Environment)

Power plants have to be located at least 25 Kms from Ecologically and/or otherwise sensitive areas, depending on the geo-climatic conditions with the rider that the requisite distance shall have to be increased by the appropriate agency.

Ecologically sensitive areas include National Parks and Sanctuaries and Tribal Settlements.

Chamalapura Site's non-compliance

The southern extent of the proposed site around Chamalapura is well within the 20 Kms. of Nagarhole / Nagarahole National Park.

Bandipur / Bandipura National Park is also similarly located close to Chamalapura.

No study whatsoever has been conducted to assess the impact on Nagarahole & Bandipur / Bandipura National Parks.

Guidelines for Siting Thermal Power Plants, 1987 (MoEF)

No forest or prime agricultural land should be utilized for setting up TPPs (Thermal Power Plants) or for ash disposal.

Siting Standard (KSPCB and Karnataka Dept of Ecology and Environment)

No forest land shall be converted into non-forest activity for the sustenance of the industry.

Chamalapura Site's non-compliance

Between 300-800 acres of forest land will have to be diverted to nonforest use at this site.

The Chamalapura region has extensively cultivated agricultural lands.

As per siting guidelines no power plant can come up within 25 km of the outer peripheries of national parks and sanctuaries and Chamalapura was within a 20 km distance of Nagarahole and Bandipur / Bandipura National Parks.

The Government's restrictive guidelines / parameters on/for establishing coal-fired or coal based thermal power plants makes it mandatory that the site should not be near (in the outer periphery of) or close to any city, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, riverine eco system (catchment area of rivers) and places of heritage and cultural importance.

Chamalapura falls within such sensitive regions and hence it is unsuitable.

In addition, the proposed site cannot meet the strict siting requirements per Sec. 41 A of the Factories Act (1948, as amended in 1987).

As Per Section 41 A (2) of this Act, an interdisciplinary "Site Appraisal Committee shall examine an application for the establishment of a factory involving hazardous process and make its recommendation to the State Government within a period of ninety days of the receipt of such applications in the prescribed form."

Schedule I of this Act defines "Power Generating Industries" as involving hazardous processes, and thus must first get a site approval before proceeding with any other tasks.


In the present case, no such process has been initiated by the SPPCC or any other agency to secure such a clearance and thus the proposal fails to comply with the very first step of the statutory site clearance for a power plant.

The decision to site a power plant at Chamalapura is bereft of any rationale or logic. No geo-technical study. No environmental impact assessment studies.

No studies to assess impacts on wildlife corridors and National Parks.

No studies to appreciate the impact of water withdrawal from Kabini reservoir on the immediate environs, wildlife and downstream agricultural and urban communities.

No assessments of where coal will be sourced. No study of the cost and impact of developing infrastructure for fuel linkage, such as building of railways tracts and coal landing facilities.

No assessment of the impact of the power plant in the mining area.

And yet, an international bid for the power plant has been issued on the mere assumption that these pre-decision tasks would be undertaken by the "successful bidder".

Chamalapura project: haunted by procedural irregularities

In 1998, the Union Ministry of Environment & Forests had granted environmental clearance for setting up a 500 MW coal fired thermal power plant at Chamalapura, Mysore / Mysuru District submitted by M/s Mysore / Mysuru Power Generation Private Ltd.

Interestingly, the proposal was for a 1000 MW plant and a NOC for that capacity was also issued by the KSPCB.

However, MoEF granted environmental clearance only for a 500 MW capacity.

The NOC referred to by the MoEF was issued by KSPCB on 19 March 1996 wherein it accorded "a provisional site clearance in principle, for locating the thermal power plant of capacity 1000 MW" to the Chamalapura proposal.(No. KSPCB/MYS/CHAMALATHERMAL/DEO-6/95-96/1016-19)

We've sufficient reasons to believe that this NOC is irregular because there are serious discrepancies in the NOC.

The 19 March 1996 NOC of KSPCB states that a site clearance is issued for a 500 MW power plant in the subject line, but the main body of the clearance, as stated above, confirms the site clearance is for a 1,000 MW power plant.

Since these two statements are inconsistent and that too in the same order, the whole order may please be treated as malafide and set aside.

As established above, the decision to locate a coal fired thermal power station is fraught with a series of legal impediments and is not based on any techno-economic, environmental and social impact studies.

Consequently, the effort of the Power Company of Karnataka Ltd. or PCKL (previously known as State Power Procurement Coordination Centre) in securing a private investors for a 1,000 MW coal fired thermal power plant at Cham