UPSC Prelims 2023 · Question 76 of 97
UPSC Prelims 2023 question on Thermal Power Plants Water
- ExamUPSC CSE
- Year2023
- PaperGeneral Studies Paper I
- SubjectGeography
- TopicIndian Geography
- DifficultyHard
- TypeStatement
With reference to coal-based thermal power plants in India, consider the following statements:
1. None of them uses seawater.
2. None of them is set up in water-stressed district.
3. None of them is privately owned.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Show answer
Answer: D. None
Analysis
None of the statements are correct → Option (d) None.
Statement by statement
Statement 1 – INCORRECT: Thermal power plants are generally constructed near the sea coast to meet their requirement of cooling water. Coastal Gujarat Power Limited (CGPL) is a coal fired power plant which operates (24×7) at an 'once-through system' based sea water circulation for power generation. In India, several other coal-fired thermal power plants also employ seawater for a variety of functions, including cooling the condenser system.
Statement 2 – INCORRECT: The catchments in India are under 'high water stress' due to the post-2010 geographical shift in the construction of new coal-fired power plants favouring northern and eastern river basins. Several thermal power plants are indeed set up in water-stressed districts.
Statement 3 – INCORRECT: There are both privately and publicly owned coal-fired thermal power stations in India. Many private corporations have invested in the power industry and run coal-fired thermal power facilities, such as Coastal Gujarat Power Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Power.