India's $80 Billion Coal Power Expansion Faces Water Scarcity Crisis

India's Coal Power Boom Threatened by Water Crisis

India's ambitious $80 billion investment in coal-fired power plants is facing a significant challenge: water scarcity. This expansion, intended to power the nation's growing industries, is heavily concentrated in India's driest regions, exacerbating existing water stress for local communities.

Solapur: A Case Study

Solapur, a district already grappling with water shortages, perfectly illustrates this challenge. The operation of a 1,320-megawatt coal plant since 2017 has intensified competition for limited water resources, impacting both residents and businesses.

The Water Paradox

Despite India having 17% of the world's population but only 4% of its water resources, the country plans to construct more water-intensive coal plants, primarily in areas already facing water scarcity. This raises significant concerns about future conflicts between industry and communities over access to water.

Conservation Efforts and Land Access

While NTPC claims to be implementing water conservation measures, the prioritization of land access over water availability when choosing locations for power plants further compounds the issue. This expansion poses a significant environmental and social challenge, demanding sustainable solutions to balance energy needs with responsible water resource management.