Question

Discuss EIA of a major thermal power project, as a case study.

Answer 1

2

Abstract:

There has been a chronic shortage of power in India, with supplies not keeping pace with

the ever-growing demand. Apart from generating power from the many watersheds in

different parts of the country, fossil based fuels like coal and lignite are also being

systematically harnessed to meet the demands. The southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu

has large deposits of lignite. Jayamkondam is a part of Tiruchirapalli district in Tamil

Nadu State of India. The area has proven deposits of lignite and a pre-feasibility study

has revealed the possibility of mining and power generation. The proposed thermal

power plant and mine are expected to come up near Jayamkondam and villages

surrounding it. A number of environmental impacts will result as a consequence of this

developmental activity. The study examines the impacts on the different components of

the environment, while suggesting possible alternatives. The study area lies within a

radius of 2 km of the town Jayamkondam. Baseline information on the air, water and soil

environments were obtained including the socio-economic status of the people who will

be affected by the pollutants from the thermal power plant. The study examines the costs

and benefits of the project. The main sources of pollution from the thermal power plant

are the heavy metals and the suspended particulate matter. Probabilistic linear vector

analysis has been used as a method to analyse and quantify the impacts of the pollutants.

Each of these pollutants has been carefully weighed and the scores randomized and

standardised to obtain the final environmental impact assessment (EIA)