Greenpeace India on Friday released data on the water consumption patterns of coal power plants in seven drought affected states, stating that coal power plants in these states consume water that could meet the basic needs of 50 million people for a year.
Greenpeace India alleged that even as India suffers from one of the worst droughts in decades, affecting 266 districts across 11 states, the government continues to be myopic about managing the country’s water resources .
The drought-hit states it listed are Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Chhattisgarh.
“Coal power plants are amongst the most intensive industrial users of fresh water. Despite this being a drought year, the water consumption of coal power plants in India has not received sufficient attention from policy makers and government,” Greenpeace India said in a press statement.
Greenpeace India on Friday released data on the water consumption patterns of coal power plants in seven drought affected states, stating that coal power plants in these states consume water that could meet the basic needs of 50 million people for a year.
Greenpeace India alleged that even as India suffers from one of the worst droughts in decades, affecting 266 districts across 11 states, the government continues to be myopic about managing the country’s water resources .
The drought-hit states it listed are Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Chhattisgarh.
“Coal power plants are amongst the most intensive industrial users of fresh water. Despite this being a drought year, the water consumption of coal power plants in India has not received sufficient attention from policy makers and government,” Greenpeace India said in a press statement.
Read: Drought will cost India $100 bn. Here’s how industry can weather the storm
Krishna said, “Given that given the scant water supply, we have to priorities meeting basic human needs and livelihoods over water being diverted for operating a power plant.”
“It is particularly deplorable for the government to continue promoting more coal power plants, including in water scarce regions, instead of investing in renewable energy solutions that would reduce the water burden as well as our contributions to climate change,” he added.
The Greenpeace analysis reveals that the water consumption of coal power plants could more than triple in coming years, if all proposed power plants in these seven states are taken into account.
A Greenpeace India analysis of a report released in March this year estimates that the total freshwater consumption of coal power plants in India is 4.6 billion cubic meters per year. This is enough to meet the basic water needs of 251 million (25.1 crore) people. This figure will more than double if all proposed plants are built.
Source:Hindustan Times
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