Ropar thermal plant

Ropar Coal Power Station (also known as Guru Gobind Singh Super Thermal Power Plant) is an operating 1260 megawatt coal-fired power station

Location
The map below shows the location of the project north of Ropar (Rupnagar).

Background
In addition to the existing plant, possible expansion comprising an additional of 1360 MW has been mooted. In October 2011, the Punjab government approved a new 1360 MW coal plant near Mukerian, Punjab, India. Two news sources report that in early January engineers assessed the Ropar plant as a possible alternative location to Mukerian for an additional 1320 MW. Basic materials such as land, water, rail linkage, initial man power, and office space is already available on-site and would greatly reduce initial set up costs. However, the Punjab Newsline reports that "nearby villagers are already facing pollution and water logging problems."

According to The Tribune, the ash ponds surrounding the Ropar thermal plant leached into groundwater. The Punjab Pollution Control Board and the PSEB were "asked to take necessary steps to check this menace". In addition, air pollution from the plant was found to be excessive. As a result, the chimney of the plant will increase in height by 200 ft in order to "disperse the pollutants over a wider area so as to minimize their intensity." Farmers have also complained that their crop production has decreased due to water and air pollutants.

Project Details for 1320 MW expansion
Sponsor: Punjab State Electricity Board Location: Ropar, Punjab state, India Coordinates: 31.0417, 76.5847 Status: Proposed Nameplate capacity: 1,320 MW Type: Projected in service: Coal Source: Estimated annual CO2: Source of financing:

Related SourceWatch articles

 * India and coal
 * Proposed coal plants in India