India’s Coal Power Boom Clashes with Water Scarcity in Vulnerable Regions

New Delhi – June 9, 2025: As India pushes forward with its energy expansion, a worrying clash has emerged between thermal power development and the nation’s water resources. The central government has greenlit ₹80,000 crore (approx. $9.6 billion) in new coal-fired power plants—44 in total—many of which are located in already water-scarce regions.

Environmentalists and policy experts warn that these projects could tip vulnerable ecosystems into crisis, threatening drinking water access, agriculture, and public health in nearby communities.

44 New Coal Plants—and Growing Risks

The Ministry of Power has fast-tracked construction of 44 new coal-fired thermal power plants, aiming to meet rising energy demand and reduce dependence on energy imports. However, a significant number of these projects are located in states like:

• Chhattisgarh
• Odisha
• Jharkhand
• Maharashtra
• Telangana

These are areas already grappling with seasonal droughts, falling groundwater tables, and poor water infrastructure.

Why Coal Power Consumes So Much Water

Thermal plants require vast quantities of water for cooling and steam generation. A single large coal plant can use up to 4–5 million litres of water per day. When dozens of such plants are concentrated in dry belts, local rivers and aquifers face irreversible depletion.

A recent study by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) found that over 40% of India’s thermal plants are located in “high water-stress” zones.

Communities Raise the Alarm

Farmers in Korba, Chhattisgarh—often dubbed the coal capital of India—have reported reduced irrigation water availability and recurring crop failures. “We used to get canal water, now it’s redirected to factories,” said Bhupendra Sahu, a local farmer.

In Odisha’s Angul district, tribal communities are staging protests, alleging that water from the Brahmani River is being prioritized for industrial use over drinking water needs.

Government’s Balancing Act

Union Power Minister R.K. Singh stated that “water-saving technologies” such as air-cooled condensers will be employed to mitigate risks. However, environmental groups argue that implementation is inconsistent and oversight is weak.

The National Water Mission has flagged concerns that energy sector growth is outpacing hydrological planning.

Experts Call for Policy Overhaul

Energy experts are urging the government to:

• Shift investment toward renewables and decentralised solar systems
• Conduct cumulative water impact assessments for thermal projects
• Strengthen community water rights and local governance

With climate change intensifying monsoon unpredictability, the risk of water-energy conflict is only growing.