a

1. Environmental Assessment Report
Summary Environmental Impact Assessment
Project Number: 42933
January 2009
India: Jhajjar Thermal Power Project
Prepared by Jhajjar Power Limited for the Asian Development Bank (ADB)
The summary environmental impact assessment is a document of the Borrower. The views
expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB’s Board of Directors, management,
or staff, and may be preliminary in nature.

2. CURRENCY EQUIVALENTS
(as of 30 December 2008)
Currency Unit
Re1.00
$1.00
–
=
=
Rupee (Re/Rs)
$ 0.0205503
Rs. 48.661
ABBREVIATIONS
AAS
ADB
APCPL
ATPP
BOD
BOO
CaCO3
CCL
CDM
CHP
CLP PIPL
CO
CO2
COC
COD
DM
DO
EIA
EP
ESP
F
FD
FGD
GLC
HC
HPGCL
HVPNL
IAS
ID
IS
ISCST
JLN
JPL
JTPP
LNG
MECON
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
atomic absorption spectrophotometer
Asian Development Bank
Aravali Power Company Private Limited
Aravali Thermal Power Plant
biochemical oxygen demand
build, own, and operate
calcium carbonates
Central Coalfields Limited
Clean Development Mechanism
coal handling and processing
CLP Power India Private Limited
carbon monoxide
carbon dioxide
cycles of concentration
chemical oxygen demand
demineralized
dissolved oxygen
environmental impact assessment
environmental protection
electrostatic precipitators
fluoride
forced draft
flue gas desulfurization
ground level concentration
hydrocarbon
Haryana Power Generation Corporation Limited
Haryana Power Vitaran Nigam Limited
Indian Administrative Services
induced draft
Indian Standard (Bureau of Indian Standards)
industrial source complex short term
Jawahar Lal Nehru
Jhajjar Power Limited
Jhajjar Thermal Power Project
liquid natural gas
MECON Limited (formerly Metallurgical and Engineering
Consultants (India) Limited) a Government of India public
sector undertaking under the Ministry of Steel

3. MoEF
NAAQS
NOx
pH
PLF
PM
PPAH
RO
RPM
SEIA
SHE
SO2
SPM
SPV
SSC
TSP
TSS
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Ministry of Environment and Forests
National Ambient Air Quality Standards
oxides of nitrogen
potential of hydrogen
plant load factor
particulate matter
Pollution Prevention and Abatement Handbook
reverse osmosis
respirable particulate matter
summary environmental impact assessment
safety, health, and environment
sulfur dioxide
suspended particulate matter
special purpose vehicle
submerged scrapper conveyor
total suspended particulates
total suspended solids
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
o
C
dB(A)
GWh
ha
kcal/kg
km
m
m3
m3/hr
m/s
m3/s
mg/kg
mg/l
MPa
mtpa
MW
ppm
ppt
t
tpd
tph
µg/m3
µS/cm
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
degrees Celsius
decibel acoustic (A-weighted)
gigawatt hour
hectare
kilocalories per kilogram
kilometer
meter
cubic meter
cubic meters per hour
meters per second
cubic meter per second
milligrams per kilogram
milligrams per liter
megapascals
metric tons per annum
megawatt
parts per million
parts per thousand
tons
tons per day
tons per hour
micrograms per cubic meter
micro Siemens per centimeter

4. NOTES
(i)
The fiscal year (FY) of the Government and its agencies ends on 31 March. FY
before a calendar year denotes the year in which the fiscal year starts, e.g.,
FY2008 ends on 31 March 2009.
(ii)
In this report, "$" refers to US dollars.

5. CONTENTS
Page
MAPS
I.
INTRODUCTION
1
II.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
A.
Project Facilities
B.
Design and Construction
C.
Power Plant Operations
D.
Land and Right-of-Way Acquisition
E.
Project Schedule and Contracts
F.
Project Management and Operations
2
2
6
7
7
8
8
III.
DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT
A.
Physical Environment
B.
Biological Environment
C.
Socio-cultural Environment
9
9
13
14
IV.
ALTERNATIVES
A.
With and Without Project Alternatives
B.
Alternative Project Locations
C.
Alternative Fuels
D.
Alternative Boiler Technologies
E.
Alternative Cooling Systems
F.
Alternative Wastewater Treatment Systems
G.
Alternative Water Resources
14
14
15
16
17
17
18
18
V.
ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES
A.
Physical Environment
B.
Biological Environment
C.
Socio-cultural Environment
D.
Induced Development
E.
Cumulative Impact
F.
Impacts of Associated Facilities
19
19
26
26
28
28
29
VI.
ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT
A.
Project Costs
B.
Project Socioeconomic Benefits
30
30
30
VII.
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN
A.
Objectives and Scope of Environmental Management
B.
Organization for Project Environmental Management
C.
Mitigation Measures
D.
Monitoring and Evaluation Program
E.
Occupational Health and Safety Management
F.
Afforestation Program
G.
Ash Utilization Plan
30
30
31
31
31
32
32
33
VIII.
PUBLIC CONSULTATION AND DISCLOSURE
33
IX.
CONCLUSIONS
34

6. APPENDICES
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
Main Design and Operational Data of the Power Plant
Methodology and Data for Ambient Air Quality - Summer Season
Applicable Indian Ambient Air Quality Standards and World Bank Guidelines
Summary of Noise Quality Observed and Applicable Indian Noise Standards and
World Bank Guidelines
Summary of Groundwater Quality Observed and Applicable Indian Standards
Operating Conditions for Calculation of Emission Rates
Results of Prediction of Ambient Air Quality for the Project
Results of Prediction of Ambient Air Quality for the Project and the Aravali
Thermal Power Project
Summary of Potential Impacts and Mitigation Measures
Environmental Monitoring and Evaluation Program
Occupational Health and Safety Management
Ash Utilization Plan
Summary of Public Hearing
35
36
38
39
40
41
43
45
47
53
55
61
64

9. I.
INTRODUCTION
1.
Jhajjar Power Limited (JPL), a 100% subsidiary of CLP Power India Private Limited
(CLP PIPL), which in turn is a 100% subsidiary of CLP Holdings, is developing the Jhajjar
Thermal Power Project (JTPP). Under a reform program, the Government of the state of
Haryana divided the electricity business owned by the Haryana State Electricity Board into three
components: generation, transmission, and distribution. To meet the growing power and energy
deficit, the Government of Haryana promoted the Project and subsequently awarded it to CLP
PIPL through competitive bidding under the Electricity Act 2003 1 and standard bidding
guidelines issued by the Government of India.
2.
The Project comprises the construction of a supercritical 2, coal-fired power plant with a
total capacity of 1,320 megawatts (MW). The plant will consist of two 660 MW units that will run
on coal supplied by rail from India’s North Karanpura coal fields, which are operated by Central
Coalfields Limited (CCL). The Project was awarded to CLP PIPL on a build, own, and operate
(BOO) basis. Equipment sourcing through various packages has been finalized with suppliers
and construction will commence in March 2009. The plant is scheduled for full commercial
operation in April 2012.
3.
The Project is located near Khanpur village in Jhajjar district in the state of Haryana. The
site is close to the Jharli railway station on the Dadari–Rewari section of the North Western
Railway (Map 1). The project site covers 494.1 hectares (ha) of low-yield agricultural land in the
villages of Khanpur Khurd, Khanpur Kalan, Wazidpur, and Jharli. The project area includes
214.5 ha for plant and equipment, and a switch yard, coal handling system, and related plant;
109.3 ha for ash disposal; 137.0 ha for the greenbelt and water storage facilities; and 33.2 ha
for the township. The project site is located on Jhajjar–Matanhel–Kanina district road, which is
38 kilometers (km) southwest of Jhajjar town.
4.
An environmental impact assessment (EIA) for the Project was completed by MECON
Limited (MECON) in January 2008 based on terms of reference approved by the Ministry of
Environment and Forests (MoEF) on 7 October 2007. As part of the EIA process, a public
hearing was held on 29 October 2007 and further consultations were subsequently conducted in
local villages. The Project received environmental clearance from MoEF on 24 April 2008 based
on the EIA. An application for the alteration of the MoEF environmental clearance has been
submitted to MoEF to permit the use of supercritical boiler technology. All other key clearances
and permits from national and state authorities required for construction and operation have
1
2
An Act promulgated by the Government of India to consolidate laws relating to the generation, transmission,
distribution, trading and use of electricity and generally for taking measures conducive to development of the
electricity industry, promoting competition therein, protection of interest of consumers and supply of electricity to all
areas, rationalization of electricity tariff, ensuring transparent policies regarding subsidies, promotion of efficient
and environmentally benign policies, constitution of Central Electricity Authority, Regulatory Commission and
establishment of Appellate Tribunal and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
The boiler technology options available for large, pulverized coal-fired power plants are subcritical, supercritical,
and ultra-supercritical. Subcritical plants operate at steam pressure of less than 19 megapascals, where the steam
is a mix of liquid and gas, and drum-type boilers are used. Supercritical plants operate at steam pressure of more
than 22.1 megapascals and use once-through boilers. The steam at 22.56 megapascals and 374.15°C is said to be
in a critical state. Ultra-supercritical plants are about 2% to 3% more efficient than supercritical plants. These plants
operate at even higher steam pressures of about 30 megapascals and steam temperatures of about 600°C.
Supercritical technology is becoming standard practice in the power industry in developed economies for large
coal-fired power plants due to a higher efficiency than subcritical technology. More than 400 supercritical plants are
operating in the United States, Europe, Russia, and Japan.

10. 2
been obtained. The preliminary design was completed in November 2008 and established all of
the plant’s major design parameters. Detailed project design has commenced.
5.
This summary environmental impact assessment (SEIA) was prepared by JPL for use by
the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in accordance with ADB’s environmental and social
safeguard policies and information disclosure requirements for environmental category A
projects. 3 This SEIA summarizes and consolidates the major findings and recommendations
presented in the EIA. The EIA is available for public review at JPL and ADB offices upon
request. The SEIA will be posted on ADB’s website 120 days before consideration of the
requested loan by ADB’s Board of Directors.
II.
A.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Project Facilities
6.
The main project facilities consist of two coal-fired 660 MW units, a power house, and
auxiliary facilities that include a switch yard, raw water reservoir, water pre-treatment system,
demineralization plant, cooling water pump house, coal handling plant (stockpiles and unloading
system), ash handling and disposal system, and a residential township for project staff. Other
project facilities that will be constructed by JPL include: (i) a railway siding for transporting coal
from the Jharli railway line of the North Western Railways to the power plant, and (ii) a 14 km
long water supply pipeline from the Jawahar Lal Nehru (JLN) feeder canal to the project site.
7.
Power transmission lines for the evacuation of power from the Project will be built,
owned, and operated by Haryana Vidyut Prasaran Nigam Limited (HVPNL), a Government of
Haryana-owned enterprise. The transmission lines will connect the Project to substations at
Sonipat (approximately 70 km to the northeast) and Mahindergarh (approximately 50 km to the
southwest). The JLN feeder canal will be raised along a 70 km section to increase its capacity to
meet the Project’s water supply requirements.
1.
Facilities to be Constructed by Jhajjar Power Limited
8.
Power Plant. The power plant consists of two 660 MW units. Both units will have steambased, pulverized coal-fired boiler units and steam turbines and generators. Each boiler unit will
comprise a boiler proper, regenerative type air heaters, and forced draft (FD) fans and induced
draft (ID) fans. The boilers will have steam conditions of about 25.4 megapascals (MPa)/571ºC
for main steam and 569ºC for reheat steam. Low oxides of nitrogen (NOx) burners will be used.
In addition to coal, light diesel fuel oil will be used for start-up as well as flame stabilization and
during low-load operation. The main plant consists of three interconnected structures: (i) boiler
structures, (ii) turbine building, and (iii) an integrated control and electrical building. Figure 1
illustrates the process flow of the Project.
9.
Electrostatic Precipitators. Each steam generating unit will be provided with an
electrostatic precipitator (ESP) with parallel gas paths. Each path will consist of a number of
fields in a series for the collection of fly ash. The ESPs will have a dust collection efficiency of
not less than 99.91%, while firing coal with the highest ash content (34.00%).
3
As per ADB’s Environmental Assessment Guidelines, projects in environmental category A are those that could
result in significant adverse environmental impacts. An EIA report includes (i) description of the Project, (ii)
description of the environment, (iii) anticipated environmental impacts and mitigation measures (iv) alternatives, (v)
economic assessment, (vi) an environmental management plan that includes institutional requirements and an
environmental monitoring program, (vii) public consultation and disclosure, and (viii) conclusion.

11. Figure 1: Process Flow Diagram
3

12. 4
10.
Flue Gas Desulfurization Units. Each generating unit will have one limestone-based
flue gas desulfurization (FGD) unit, including a booster fan, three de-aeration fans, four slurry recirculation pumps, one absorber tower, one emergency slurry tank (for both units), and three air
compressors (for both units). The gypsum produced as a by-product of this process will be
stored on site and sold to vendors for use in building materials.
11.
Coal Handling and Processing System. The coal handling and processing (CHP)
system will consist of two fuel streams, one operating conveyor, and one standby conveyor.
Each stream will have a guaranteed capacity of 1,600 tons per hour (tph). The complete CHP
equipment will be designed for simultaneous operation of both fuel streams at a capacity of
1,600 tph each. Coal will be unloaded at the plant using a wagon tipper system. Two spur rail
lines with a total length of approximately 2 km will be constructed from two points on the Jharli
rail line. The lines will meet and then run parallel to the Jhajjar–Matanhel–Kanina district road.
The CHP system will have a crusher house with two crushers, two crushed coal storage yards,
two stacker reclaimers (for crushed and stored coal reclaiming), and inter-connecting conveyors.
The coal bunkers for each unit will have 16 hours aggregate storage capacity. The CHP system
will also have a dust suppression and extraction system. All chutes will be lined to ensure the
smooth flow and discharge of coal, and the longer operating life of the chutes. All junction towers
and the crusher house will have floor cleaning chutes.
12.
Cooling Water System. The power plant will have a closed-circuit cooling water system
using water from the JLN feeder canal. The Project’s total water requirement is 120,000 cubic
meters per day (m3/day). The cooling water cycle of concentration (COC) will be maintained at
five to maximize water reuse. Chlorine or hypochlorite dosing will be undertaken to curb organic
growth. Hardness stabilizer dosing will be performed to maintain the high cooling water COC.
Water use by the plant will mainly consist of cooling tower make-up water, amounting to about
81,840 m3/day.
13.
Water Supply Pipeline. Water will be drawn from the JLN feeder canal about 14 km from
the project site. This water will be reticulated to the plant through a 2 meter (m) diameter
underground pipeline, with a pump station located near the canal offtake near Akeidi Madanpur
village. The underground pipeline will be established within a 20 m wide right-of-way (10 m on
either side of the centerline), traversing agricultural land owned by landholders in Akeidi
Madanpur, Sunreti, Sasroli, and Jharli villages. The pump house will be located close to the JLN
feeder canal.
14.
Water Treatment System. Water to be consumed in power plant processes will be
clarified before being used. Clarified water will mainly be used as cooling water. The balance of
the clarified water will be further treated in the filtration and demineralization plant for steam
raising, auxiliary cooling, service, and drinking purposes. The Project will require about 4,800
m3/day of demineralized (DM) water, 9,600 m3/day of service water, and 1,800 m3/day of drinking
water for the plant and township.
15.
Wastewater Management System. Most of the wastewater produced will be in the form
of blowdown from the closed cooling water system. While fly ash will mainly be collected in dry
form and does not normally require any water for handling, some amount of cooling tower
blowdown may be used in the bottom ash handling system. A suitable recovery system is
proposed to recover ash water from the ash handling system or from ash pond overflow. The
recovered water will be recycled and reused. Wastewater with fine suspended particles from
different areas and other effluents, such as boiler blowdown and DM plant regeneration effluent,
will be neutralized and collected in a central monitoring basin. All effluent collected in the central

13. 5
monitoring basin will be treated in the clarification plant. Clarified water produced from the waste
treatment plant and/or any cooling water blowdown not used for ash handling will be further
treated in an ultra-filtration cum reverse osmosis (RO) module. Permeate from the RO plant will
be taken to the clarified water system for reuse. Wastewater generated from the RO system will
be used to irrigate the project site.
16.
Access Roads. The proposed plant site is located on the Jhajjar–Matanhel–Kanina
district road. The main plant access road will be about 1 km long and built from the district road
to the plant. A second site road about 1.5 km in length will be constructed further south to
provide access for heavy vehicles between the district road and plant. Two rail line crossings will
be constructed on the district road and a local village road where the Project’s rail line crosses
these roads.
17.
Ash Disposal System. Ash generated by the Project will be in form of fly ash, coarse
ash, and bottom ash. Fly and coarse ash will be collected in dry form and conveyed to silos for
storage, then transferred in enclosed trucks for secondary use by local industries. Bottom ash
will be collected in wet form and also be stored in silos for subsequent secondary use by external
users to the greatest extent possible. Ash dykes will be provided on-site for the temporary
storage of ash.
18.
Residential Complex. During plant operation and maintenance, the Project will employ
about 325 people consisting of 275 JPL staff and 50 outsourced staff. A housing complex
consisting of 250 units of family accommodations and field hostels will be developed on 36.8 ha
of land to provide accommodations for most company staff and some outsourced staff.
19.
Site Drainage. Rainwater runoff from the plant area will be directed through lined drains,
channels, and culverts into a harvesting pond. This runoff will be used for spraying the coal
stockyard and landscape irrigation. Any excess rainwater during the monsoon season will
overflow into a local drain.
2.
Associated Facilities
20.
Canal Upgrading. The JLN feeder canal upgrading works will consist of raising the bund
walls by 30 centimeters (cm) over a distance of around 70 km. This will increase canal capacity
by approximately 8.5 cubic meters per second (m3/s), or 300 cusecs, providing sufficient
additional capacity to supply both the Project and the adjacent Aravali Thermal Power Plant
(ATPP).
21.
Transmission Lines. As per the power purchase agreement, 90% of the power
generated by the Project will be sold to two distribution companies owned by the Government of
Haryana for distribution in the state of Haryana. The balance of the power will be sold outside the
state. HVPNL, the Government of Haryana-owned enterprise responsible for power transmission,
will build, own, and operate the transmission lines that will connect the Project to the electricity
grid. The power plant will feed electricity from a 400 kilovolt (kV) switchyard via two separate 400
kV transmission lines to the nearest feeder substations located at Sonipat and Mahendragarh.
The right-of-way of each transmission line will be 35 m wide (17.5 m on either side of the
centerline) and 120 km in length.

14. 6
B.
Design and Construction
1.
Design
22.
The Project is being designed in accordance with international standards for supercritical
steam power plants. The design of support facilities and associated works is in accordance with
appropriate national and international standards. The plant design will cope with local seismic
conditions. The Project is located in seismic zone III 4 as per IS: 1893 (part-I):2002, for which a
basic horizontal co-efficient of 0.04 is considered.
23.
The plant site ranges from relatively flat to slightly undulating and will require nominal
filling and grading to achieve the proposed final level of about 226 m above mean sea level. Fill
material will be derived from excavation of the on-site, raw water reservoir.
24.
The design life of the plant will be at least 30 years. Civil works, structures, and
foundations will be designed for a life exceeding 45 years. Equipment for units 1 and 2 will be
arranged in a slide along configuration and not in a mirror image. The station layout and the
operability of equipment will require a station operation and maintenance staff team of around
275 persons, excluding contracted laborers.
25.
The general arrangement and layout of the plant has been designed to ensure
convenient access to the equipment for operation and maintenance. All valves, gates, dampers,
and other devices will be located and oriented in such a way that they are easily accessible from
the operating floor level wherever possible. Platforms and walkways with access ladders will be
provided to facilitate access for operation and maintenance. The main plant will include a turbine
house, de-aerator bay, bunker bay, and boiler house. The rating and frame size of the equipment
will be consistent with plant requirements and will provide sufficiently-redundant plant and design
margins in accordance with industry best practices. Appendix 1 provides a summary of the main
design and operational data of the Project.
2.
Construction
26.
The site requires filling and grading to establish the final landform. Site soils consist of
sandy to sandy loam topsoil and subsoil, which will require that excavation be undertaken with
bulldozers and excavators. Site leveling will use all excess soil produced from excavation with no
additional soil brought onto the site from outside sources.
27.
Civil works will involve construction of the main power plant and auxiliary facilities and
buildings, the water supply pipeline from the JLN feeder canal, two plant access roads, and two
rail lines. Mechanical and electrical works will include both on-site and off-site fabrication,
assembly, installation, and erection of power plant equipment, pollution control equipment
including FGD units and the chimney structure, demineralization plant, control system, power
system, and various utility systems.
28.
Construction will require between 2,000 and 4,000 skilled and unskilled workers.
Construction workers will be engaged by contractors responsible for different construction
packages. The power supply for construction will be provided by a single 33 kV distribution line
4
An area classed as seismic zone III can experience earthquakes of such intensity that structures and or buildings of
good design and construction suffer slight damage, while poorly designed or built structures or buildings suffer
considerable damage. The intensity of an earthquake on the Modified Merecalli Intensity is VII for seismic zone III.

15. 7
of about 6 MVA rating from Bahu substation, which is located about 3 km from the site.
Construction water will be sourced through authorized vendors and from groundwater sources
prior to the operation of the plant water supply pipeline.
C.
Power Plant Operations
29.
Coal Supply and Transport. Coal will be supplied from the North Karanpura coalfields in
Jharkhand state. These fields are owned and operated by CCL, a subsidiary of Coal India
Limited, which is a Government of India-owned enterprise. Coal will be transported from the
coalfields to the plant in open-top coal wagons by Indian Railways. Coal handling will be
designed to operate throughout the year from CCL. As per MoEF guidelines, the coal will have a
maximum ash content of 34%. The average gross calorific value of coal is expected to be 3,800
kilocalories per kilogram (kcal/kg). Daily coal consumption, based on average gross calorific
value, is estimated to be 16,164 tons (5.9 million tons per year at 87% average plant load factor
[PLF]).
30.
Fuel Oil Transport and Storage. The light diesel fuel oil that will be used for boiler startup, flame stabilization, and low-load operation will be transported to the site in road tankers from
refineries in either Panipat or Mathura. The light diesel fuel oil will be pumped into storage tanks
at the plant using unloading pump sets. Annual light diesel fuel oil consumption is estimated to
be 20,000 m3.
31.
Ash Transport and Storage. The ash handling system will be designed for a coal
consumption load of 857 tons per hour (t/h). This volume of coal usage will produce up to 291 t/h
of ash based on an ash content of 34%. The ash will consist of bottom ash (20%), coarse ash
(10%), and fly ash (70%). The ash handling system will have 10% additional capacity in excess
of the anticipated maximum ash generation rate to provide sufficient capacity to handle a higher
load.
32.
Bottom Ash. A submerged scrapper conveyor facility will collect and transfer bottom ash
from the furnace via a conveyor to the storage silo. Bottom ash will be dewatered then provided
to off-site users or transported by covered dump truck to the ash yard for disposal.
33.
Fly Ash. The ash handling system associated with the ESPs will collect fly ash from the
economizer hopper and ESP hoppers. Fly ash from these separate locations will be transferred
to the fly ash silo by a dry pneumatic vacuum. Suitable capacity will be provided to store the fly
ash in dry form. Stored dry fly ash will either be loaded into the covered trucks of off-site users or
watered and transferred to the ash yard for disposal.
34.
Water Abstraction and Irrigation. About 120,000 m3/day of water will be drawn from the
JLN feeder canal and pumped to the site via the 2 m diameter underground pipeline on a 16-day
cycle. Water will be stored in the 1.50 million m3 raw water storage tank on site, which will be
adequate to supply the plant for 20 days. Cooling water blowdown will be treated and partially
reused in plant processes, with the remaining portion used to irrigate the greenbelt and other onsite plantings.
D.
Land and Right-of-Way Acquisition
35.
The Project requires 494.1 ha of land for the main plant area, ash disposal pond, and
residential complex, plus an additional 27.8 ha for the water supply pipeline and rail line right-ofways. Table 1 summarizes the land areas required for project implementation and the current

16. 8
owners of this land. Land acquisition is occurring in accordance with the Land Acquisition Act
1894 5 and is due to be finalized in December 2008.
Table 1: Project Land Areas and Ownership
Facility
Main plant area,*
ash pond, and
residential complex
Rail line easement
Pipeline easement
Total
Village
Khanpur Khurd
Khanpur Kalan
Jharli
Wazidpur
Sub-total
Jharli Railway line to plant
JLN feeder canal to plant
Area (ha)
258.1
172.0
51.0
13.0
494.1
3.8
24.0
521.9
Ownership/
Type of Land
Private (revenue & Panchayat land)
Private (revenue land)
Private (revenue land)
Private (revenue land)
Private (revenue land)
Private (revenue land)
*Transmission line right-of-way for the power evacuation from the project site will be the responsibility of HVPNL
(a Government of Haryana-owned enterprise)
JLN = Jawahar Lal Nehru, ha = hectare.
Sources: Section 6 Notification released for the Project under the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 and the Census of
India, 2001; Consultations with representatives of project proponents and the community.
E.
Project Schedule and Contracts
36.
The design and construction of the Project will involve a number of contract packages
implemented by reputable international and local companies with proven experience. The
contracts will be negotiated on a fixed-price, time-certain basis. The first unit is scheduled to be
commissioned 42 months after the issuance of the letter of intent, which was issued on 23 July
2008, while the second unit will be commissioned within 46 months from the same date.
37.
Construction management will be the responsibility of JPL. The project management
company will be supported by the owner’s engineer and other consultants in finalizing the design
and overseeing construction.
F.
Project Management and Operations
38.
JPL will be responsible for ensuring full implementation of the environmental
management plan (EMP) during project construction and operation, while each contractor will be
responsible for complying with the EMP. During construction, the Project will have a Safety,
Health, and Environment (SHE) Department consisting of experienced engineers and staff
whose primary responsibility will be to facilitate a culture of safety and environmental concern
among the Project’s workforce. Professionals within the SHE Department will establish a
management system that includes regular checks to maintain safe working conditions at the site.
Drills will be carried out to check the preparedness and adequacy of the SHE management
system. Regular reports will be produced highlighting SHE statistics and activities to promote
responsible workplace management.
5
The Land Acquisition Act (1894), as amended, enables the State to acquire private land for public purpose and has
provisions for acquisition for industrial purposes. The Act ensures that no person is deprived of land except under
law and entitles affected persons (landowner, tenant or licensee) to a hearing before acquisition, with due and
adequate compensation made thereafter. The Act deals with cash compensation and provides several methods of
valuing compensation.

17. 9
39.
The station manager will be responsible for the power station during plant operation. He
will be supported by three general managers. The head of the SHE Department will lead all SHE
initiatives. He will be supported by experienced engineers, chemists, and other staff. Safety
engineers will conduct risk analysis and regular checks and drills to ensure safe working
conditions for all activities undertaken at the project site.
III.
A.
DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT
Physical Environment
1.
Overview of the Project Area
40.
The Project is located on a flat-to-gently-undulating rural site. There are no settlements
on the site, although a number of villages and larger rural communities are situated within 10 km
of the site. (The Project study area is defined in the EIA.) The nearest villages are Khanpur
Khurd, Khanpur Kalan, Jharli, and Wazidpur. The site is far from major towns, located 38 km
from Jhajjar and 90 km from Delhi. The site is also distant from sensitive sites such as national
parks, biosphere reserves, and historic and cultural sites (Table 2). The nearest sensitive site is
the Bhindawas Bird Sanctuary, located 18 km to the northeast. There are no reserve forests
located within 10 km of the project site and nearest protected forest is located about 9.5 km
southeast of the site.
Table 2: Significant Local and Regional Sites and Features
Significant Feature
National Park
Wildlife Sanctuary
Cultural or Historical
Site
Reservoir Irrigation
Tank
Power Plant
Nearest Major
Religious Site
Location
Sariska National Park
Keoladeo National Park (World Heritage site)
Sambhar Lake (Ramsar site)
Bindawas Wildlife Sanctuary
Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary
Jahazgarh Fort
Qutab Minar (World Heritage site)
Humayun’s Tomb (World Heritage site)
Red Fort, Delhi
Fethpur Sekri (World Heritage site)
Agra Fort (World Heritage site)
Taj Mahal (World Heritage site)
Tank at Surajgarh
Sahibi Nadi (river)
Aravali Thermal Power Plant, Jhajjar (3 x 500 MW),
under construction
Navada Koh combined cycle gas plant, Badkhal,
Faridabad (3 x 360 MW), under construction
Indraprastha Power Plant
Badarpur Power Plant
Panipat Power Plant
Shheetla Devi Mandir, Gurgaon
Lal ki Masjid, Hissar
Chattarpur temple, Delhi
E = east, N = north, S = south, W = west.
Source: JPL research (unpublished).
Distance
(km)
Bearing from
Project
120
183
200
18
55
20
90
95
95
190
220
220
16
45
S
SE
SW
NE
E
NNE
E
ENE
ENE
SE
SE
SE
NE
E
1
E
90
SE
90
95
120
55
60
80
ENE
E
NE
ESE
NW
ENE

18. 10
2.
Climate
41.
The climate of the project area, based on meteorological data from the Indian
Meteorological Department station at Gurgaon, located 60 km east of the site, is categorized as
sub-tropical, semi-arid monsoon with four distinct seasons: (i) summer from March to June; (ii)
wet monsoon (southwest monsoon) from July to September; (iii) post-monsoon from October to
November; and (iv) winter from December to February. Temperatures during the year vary from
1.1°C in January to 45.8°C in May.
42.
Rainfall comes primarily during the southwest monsoon (from July to September). The
mean annual rainfall at Gurgaon is 743.4 millimeters (mm), with an average of 34.8 days of rain
occurring each year during the period 1965–1980. The predominant wind directions are from the
west and northwest, with calm conditions prevailing 22% of the time. Seasonal prevailing wind
directions are: (i) summer - west, northwest, and southwest; (ii) monsoon - southeast, east, west,
and northeast; (iii) post-monsoon - west, northwest, and southwest; and (iv) winter - west,
northwest, and southwest.
43.
Local climatic conditions were monitored at Sasrauli village for three months from April to
June 2007 (Table 3). The predominant wind directions during the monitoring period were from
the west and northwest. Winds from the east and southeast increase in prevalence during the
night. Calm conditions are more prevalent during the night than during the day.
Table 3: Wind Speeds and Temperature at Sasrauli Village
Parameter
Wind Speed (m/s)
Temperature (°C)
Relative Humidity (%)
Rainfall (mm)
Number of Rain Days
Maximum
9.0
47.0
95.0
42.0
15.0
Average
2.1
35.4
42.0
–
–
Minimum
–
20.0
15.0
–
–
O
C = degree Celsius, m/s = meters per second.
Data represents summer season (April to June 2007).
Source: EIA/EMP Report for 1,320 MW Thermal Power Plant, Jhajjar, Haryana. January 2008.
3.
Drainage
44.
The drainage pattern in the project area is poorly defined due to flat terrain and a sandy
upper layer of soil. The area grades towards the northeast in the direction of the Bhindawas Bird
Sanctuary to form part of the Sahibi river basin. The elevation of the project site varies between
220 m and 232 m. The highest point in the project area is at an elevation of 241 m to the north of
the site, with the lowest point being 220 m on the southern side of the site.
4.
Geology and Hydrogeology
45.
The area forms part of the Indo Gangetic alluvial plain and is capped with aeolian
deposits. These deposits have led to the formation of sift layers that act as caps on the
formations and reduce the permeability of the soil. Soils in the region, including the Jhajjar and
Bahadurgarh blocks, are sandy loam in texture, while soils in the study area mainly consist of silt
and kankar (gravel).

19. 11
46.
The area can be categorized as recent aeolian deposits comprising clay, sand, and
kankar-mixed formations. Groundwater occurs in an unconfined aquifer at depths of between 3.0
m and 31.5 m, depending upon surface elevation and the level of groundwater harvesting. The
groundwater gradient is towards the east.
5.
Ambient Air Quality
47.
Ambient air quality was monitored at ten locations within the study area (within a 10 km
radius of the project site) during April–June 2007. Sampling sites were selected based on the
outcome of the screening model, MoEF guidelines pertaining to upwind and downwind sampling,
topography, local habitation, and site accessibility. The location of sampling sites, the sampling
method, and results are summarized in Appendix 2. Air quality values for suspended particulate
matter (SPM) and respirable particulate matter (RPM) exceeded the norms for residential, rural,
and other areas at all locations during the summer monitoring period (Table 4). High SPM and
RPM levels occurred due to strong winds that generated dust storms during the summer
sampling period when airborne dust levels are usually highest. Strong winds and dry soils during
summer are common in this northern part of India, leading to localised high levels of particulate
matter prior to the onset of the monsoon. The significant agricultural activity and harvesting
season that precedes the monsoon also contributes to air borne dust. In addition, sampling
occurred when major earthworks were underway on the adjacent ATPP site, thus contributing to
the high levels of SPM. Accordingly, the average SPM level over 12 months is expected to be
considerably lower than the levels recorded during the monitored period. Levels of sulfur dioxide
(SO2) and NOx were well within the norms for residential, rural, and other areas as per the
National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and World Bank guidelines (Appendix 3).
Background air quality monitoring will be extended across all seasons to provide more
comprehensive baseline data, involving monitoring air quality at the original sampling sites for
one year, commencing in February 2009.
Table 4: Summary of Ambient Air Quality (April to June 2007)
(μg/m3)
Value
SPM
RPM
SO2
NOX
Minimum
105.0
58.0
1.0
4.0
Maximum
385.0
153.0
9.3
38.0
Average Range
212.8–309.0
89.0–123.0
2.0–4.0
11.2–23.4
th
283.5–384.5
112.9–148.6
3.5–8.2
16.6–33.9
th
281.5–381.6
112.8–146.7
3.4–6.7
15.0–33.0
98 Percentile Range
95 Percentile Range
CO = carbon monoxide, NOX = oxides of nitrogen, RPM = respirable particulate matter, SO2 = sulfur dioxide, SPM =
3
suspended particulate matter, μg/m = microgram per cubic meter.
Source: HPGCL baseline data as collected by MECON Limited for summer season 2007; EIA/EMP Report for 1,320
MW Thermal Power Plant at Jhajjar, Haryana. MECON Limited, 2008.
6.
Noise
48.
Ambient noise monitoring was carried out at five locations surrounding the plant site.
Noise levels were measured using a precision noise level meter on an hourly basis for 24 hours.
The monitored average noise levels on rural and residential areas around the project site varied
from 46.8 to 54.4 decibel acoustic (dB[A]) during the day and 40.1 to 43.6 dB(A) at night.
Monitored noise levels were within the NAAQS prescribed limits for locations near villages,
except near the Jharli Railway Station. Recorded day time noise levels near the station averaged

20. 12
60 dB(A), which exceeded the prescribed norm of 55 dB(A), while night time noise levels
averaged 46.1 dB(A), which marginally exceeded the prescribed limit of 45 dB(A). These high
noise levels were attributed to train movements and other commercial activities near the station.
The monitored noise levels for residential areas were within the NAAQS prescribed limits as
indicated in Appendix 4.
7.
Water Resources
49.
Surface Water. The area surrounding the project site has no surface bodies of water
except branch irrigation channels from the JLN feeder canal. The only surface water sample
collected was from the JLN feeder canal, which is the proposed water source for the Project
located more than 10 km east of the project site.
50.
Groundwater. Nine groundwater samples were collected from the villages of Mohanbari,
Khanpur Kalan, Jhamri, Khorra, Bahu, Sasrauli, Lilah, Goria, and Jhanswa. The results were
compared with Bureau of Indian Standards for Drinking Water as specified in code IS:10500,
1991 (Appendix 5). Analysis results of the groundwater samples for total hardness, dissolved
solids, chloride, total dissolved solids, calcium, magnesium, sulphate, and nitrate exceeded the
desirable levels and permissible limits at Mohanbari (3.5 km from the site), while values for these
parameters also exceeded the desirable limits at Khanpur Kalan (1.5 km), Khorra (2.5 km), and
Goria (4 km). The pH of all groundwater samples exceeded the desirable alkaline limits. The
values for other parameters for the collected samples were within the prescribed norms.
8.
Land Use
51.
Land use on the plant site and within a 10 km radius of the site was assessed based on
satellite image interpretation and site visits (Table 5). Land use in the local area is dominated by
agriculture. The project site is mainly used for grazing due to the poor soils and limited rainfall.
The occasional crop is grown on small areas of the site when rainfall permits. The major crop
grown in the area is wheat, with pulses, guvar, bajra, and gowar making up most of the
remaining cropping. The main crops grown on the project site are bajra and gowar. The main
type of livestock raised include buffaloes, goats, and sheep. No major industry exists in the study
area except the adjacent ATPP, which is under construction.
Table 5: Land Use Classification
Project Area
Land Use Class
Agriculture and fallow land
Open land
Plantation, kikar, scrub
Classified forests
Built-up area (settlement)
Body of water
Proposed industrial use (ATPP)
Total
km2
2.50
2.30
0.14
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
4.94
%
50.6
46.5
2.9
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
100.0
ATPP = Aravali Thermal Power Plant, km = kilometer, km2 = square kilometer.
Source: ERM India Private Limited (ERM).
Area Within 10 km Radius
km2
191.29
104.64
5.14
0.24
4.29
0.29
9.03
314.92
%
60.7
33.2
1.6
0.1
1.4
0.1
2.9
100.0

21. 13
9.
Soil
52.
Soil samples were collected from five locations near the project site: southwest, northeast,
and at Khanpur Kalan, Goria, and Jhamri villages. The pH of these samples varied from 7.0 to
7.6 (neutral to slightly alkaline). Electrical conductivity varied from 832 to 2,154 micro Siemens
per centimeter (µs/cm), with the samples from the Project site between 2,140 and 2,154 µs/cm.
Organic carbon content in the soil varied from 0.20% (low) to 0.55% (medium). Nitrogen varied
from 193-688 kilograms per ha (kg/ha), in the range of low to high. The higher level of nitrogen
appeared to be due to fertilizer application. Available phosphorus was medium to high, while
available potassium was low to medium. The micronutrients copper, zinc, and iron were in the
range of 0.32 to 0.43 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg), 0.51 to 0.65 mg/kg, and 4.62 to 5.55
mg/kg, respectively, which indicates that the area is adequate for plant growth.
B.
Biological Environment
1.
Terrestrial Environment
53.
A survey of the local biological environment was conducted in the summer in 2007 and
supplemented by an additional survey in early September 2008. The area has a dry to semi-arid
climate with a few scattered trees and sparse shrubby vegetation. The nearest protected area is
the Bhindawas Bird Sanctuary, located approximately 18 km northeast of the project site. The
Nahad Protected Forest is located about 9.5 km southeast of the site.
54.
Flora. According to the Champion and Seth Classification System for Indian Forests 6,
native vegetation in the area is Desert Thorn Scrub (Type 6B/C1). Forest and scrub patches are
dominated by thorny, hard-wooded tree species, mainly Acacia, with relatively short boles and
low, branching crowns that rarely meet to form a canopy. Trees and bushes tend to occur in
clumps, with bare areas of ground in between. The most common tree species included Acacia
senegal and Prosopis cineraria. Other forest species included Acacia jacquemontii, Acacia
leucophloea, Acacia nilotica, Azadirachta indica, Balanites aegyptica, Calotropis procera,
Capparis sp., Crotalaria burhia, Holoptelea integrifolia, Salvadora oleoides, Tephrosia purpurea
and Zizyphus nummularia. Common herbs associated with grasslands included Abutilon indicum,
Achyranthes aspera, Boerhaavia diffusa, Cassia obtusifolia, Chenopodium album, Corchorus
species, Crotolaria medicaginea, Indigofera species, and Vernonia cinerea.
55.
Fauna. The most commonly-sighted bird species in the study area was the Eurasian
collared dove. Green bee-eaters and common mynas were seen at many locations. Red-wattled
lapwings were sighted around most bodies of water, while rose-ringed parakeets and ashy
prinias were sighted around forested areas. The Indian peafowl, a Schedule I species 7, was also
frequently spotted.
56.
Rhesus macaques, squirrels, mongoose, and garden lizards were sighted in the study
area. Desert cat, caracal, Indian wolf, desert fox, chinkara, blackbuck, Indian pangolin, and ratel,
which all fall under the Schedule I category, were also reported in the study area. Black-naped
6
7
Forest types of India have been classified by Champion and Seth (1968) in six major groups based on climatic
factors. These major groups have been further divided into 16 type groups based on temperature and moisture. A
few of these type groups have been further divided into several subgroups and ecologically stable communities.
The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 as amended in 2002 provide protection of wild animals, birds and plants and for
matters connected therewith or ancillary or incidental thereto with a view to ensuring the ecological and
environmental security of the country. The Act covers six schedules. Schedules I to V provide protection for animal
species, while Schedule VI provides protection for plant species.

22. 14
hares, Neelgai, and deer were reported by villagers to be present in local fields. Insects observed
at the project site included varieties of butterflies, grass yellow dragonflies, and damselflies in a
range of micro-habitats.
C.
Socio-cultural Environment
57.
Population. The four villages of Matanhel tehsil, where land has been acquired for the
Project, have a total population of about 8,000 and a combined area of 29 km2. The average
household size is six and the population density is 275 persons per km2. The majority of local
people (75%) belong to the Hindu Jat community, followed by Brahmins, Scheduled Castes, and
the Backward Class. There are no Scheduled Tribes in these four villages or in Jhajjar district.
The female literacy rate (28%–34%) is much lower than the male literacy rate (60%–65%). Most
youth are educated up to Class X or XII level, but very few take up higher studies or vocational
education.
58.
Social Infrastructure and Services. The electricity supply in local villages is poor. The
local drinking water supply is adequate with respect to volume, but the quality of the water is
poor. Most villages rely upon bore water for domestic supply, with some small towns reticulating
water from canals for domestic use. Basic social infrastructure and services—including schools,
health and medical services, access roads, post and telephone services, and public
transportation—are all accessible within 3 km to 5 km of the villages. The settlement pattern in
nearby villages is guided by the caste system. There are separate settlements for higher (Jats,
Brahmins) and lower (Harijans) castes. Facilities are better in the higher caste settlements
compared to lower caste villages. Most local dwellings are pucca houses (i.e. brick and cement
mortar walls with a concrete roof supported on reinforced cement concrete columns or girder and
roof slabs).
59.
Economy and Employment. The main source of income and livelihood in the local area
is agriculture, principally cropping. Major agricultural crops grown for consumption and sale are
wheat, pulses, guvar, bajri, and jowar. Livestock rearing is also an important activity, primarily for
household consumption, with buffaloes, goats, and sheep being common. Employment
opportunities outside agriculture are limited, with no industry in the immediate area apart from
around 100 brick kilns in the broader locality (within the local airshed, defined as a 25 km radius
from the project site). Landless Harijans mostly work as agricultural laborers on land owned by
Jats. The local wage rate was reported to be in the range of Rs135–150 per day. However, work
is only available for 5–6 months per year during the agricultural season. During the remainder of
the year, laborers mainly migrate to the nearby industrial areas of Bahadurgarh, Najafgarh, and
Delhi for employment in industry (e.g., factories and brick kilns) and construction.
60.
Historic and Religious Sites. No major historic or religious sites are located on or in the
vicinity of the project site. Small temples are located in most villages near the project site, but
these features are not regionally significant. Jahazgarh Fort, an important tourist site and the
venue of an annual cattle fair, is located about 20 km northeast of the project site.
IV.
A.
ALTERNATIVES
With and Without Project Alternatives
61.
The “without project” option would see a continuation of the current power supply
shortage in the northern region. While India’s generation and distribution capacity grew
significantly over the last decade, many parts of the country continue to suffer power shortages,

23. 15
both in terms of unmet demand during peak periods and an overall energy shortage. This has
largely been the result of high economic growth and the subsequent demand it places on the
power supply. The annual deficit in peak power demand for the northern region was 3,040 MW
as of August 2008. 8 The total installed generation capacity available in the state of Haryana was
4,668 MW 9, of which 2,188 MW was provided by the Panipat and Faridabad thermal power
plants, and the Yamuna Nagar hydroelectric station. The available capacity varies between
2,500 MW to 3,300 MW during different seasons depending upon the river flows at hydropower
plants and the planned and forced outages of generators. Some generating capacity is relatively
old and realized plant load factors are on the low side. Electricity demand varies from 2,800 MW
to 5,000 MW across different seasons and during peak and off-peak hours. Demand in Haryana
is increasing at more than 14% per year due to industrialization, and greater consumption by the
agricultural sector and the national capital region. Power availability from the above-mentioned
projects is not sufficient to meet demand in the state of Haryana, particularly during the peak
paddy and rabi crop seasons.
62.
The Project seeks to close the electricity supply–demand gap. With the installation of the
1,320 MW power plant and the adjacent 1,500 MW Aravali project (assuming that 50% of the
power produced by this project is supplied to Haryana state and 50% is supplied to Delhi), there
would still be an electricity supply shortfall of about 1,250 MW in the state of Haryana in fiscal
year (FY) 2011. The alternative without the Project is undesirable since an even greater power
shortage would further constrain economic growth and reduce the rate of poverty reduction.
B.
Alternative Project Locations
63.
The Government of Haryana selected the Project’s location based on a range of factors.
The underlying prerequisite for plant sighting was locating the Project in Haryana state to help
meet local demand and minimize the cost of electricity production. The grid system in India is
mainly owned and operated by state governments and integrated at the regional and central
levels. The transfer of power from one state to another is done at a significant cost. The Project
was conceived to avoid these costs and provide stable base load power, and to ensure that the
Haryana state grid has additional capacity to meet electricity demand and sustain independent
operations.
64.
The Jhajjar locality was selected for the project site based on its proximity to load
centers, availability of the transmission grid, ease of coal transport, land quality and
availability, setback from major urban centers for air quality purposes, and a reliable longterm water supply.
65.
The plant needs to be located as close as possible to regional demand centers to
reduce power losses during transmission and to stabilize the grid. The availability of the
transmission grid system in proximity to the plant allows for the cost-effective export of
energy from the plant. Two substations located at Mahenderharh and Sonipat, 50 km and 70
km from the project site, respectively, provide close grid connection points for power
evacuation.
66.
Coal deposits in India are mainly located in the southeast, in the states of Jharkhand,
Chhattisgarh, Orissa, and Madhya Pradesh. The northern states are generally removed
8
9
Source: Power Scenarios at Glance, September 2008 by Central Electricity Authority (http://www.cea.nic.in/).
Source Haryana Power Generation Corporation Limited (http://www.hpgcl.org/html/power_supply_position.htm).

24. 16
from coal deposits and ports for imported coal, which results in coal having to be transported
over long distances. Indian Railways has major trunk routes for the movement of raw
materials, including from the coal-bearing regions of the southeast to the northern states,
which will provide a cost effective means of transporting coal to the Project. Accordingly, the
Project needs to be located in close proximity to an existing rail line to ensure that coal
transport is economic.
67.
Lower-quality agricultural land is preferred for the plant site so that land use
conversion does not substantially reduce local agricultural production. Lower-value land is
also more likely to be available for purchase. A reliable, large-scale water supply is essential
for the Project’s operation. Water from the state of Haryana‘s quota has been allocated to
the Project, and the existing JLN feeder canal will be upgraded to provide additional
capacity to handle the additional water supply.
68.
Four alternative project sites were considered in the selected locality: (i) near Khanpur
Kalan, Khora, and Jhamri villages, 5 km from the Jharli railway station; (ii) near Khanpur Khurd,
Khanpur Kalan, Wazidpur, and Jharli villages, 1.5 km from the Jharli railway station; (iii) near
Jhanswa, Ladain, Humayaupur, and Jamalpur villages, on the left-hand side of the Jhajjar–Bahu
–Jholri–Mohindergarh state highway, within 10 km of the Bhindawas Bird Sanctuary; and (iv)
near Slawas Amboli, Bithla, and Bhurawas villages, within 10 km of the Bhindawas Bird
Sanctuary. Site (ii) was selected because it is removed from major settlements, consists of lowquality agriculture land with almost no tree cover, is located only 1.5 km from an existing rail line,
and is 18 km away from the Bhindawas Bird Sanctuary. Sites (iii) and (iv) comprise higher-quality
agriculture land, while site (i) is 5 km from the rail line.
69.
At present, there are no operating power plants located near the project site, although
the adjacent ATPP is under construction. The project site is removed from major urban
areas: approximately 40 km from Rewari, 55 km from Bahadurgarh, 80 km from Gurgaon,
and 90 km from Delhi.
C.
Alternative Fuels
70.
Large scale baseload energy production in Haryana state requires a conventional mode
of power generation. Large scale hydropower sites for baseload power generation are either
under development or being considered. As a result, new sites are not available in the state.
Wind energy is location-specific and cannot provide reliable baseload power or large scale
supply. Natural gas and oil use entails cost and supply reliability issues. Natural gas transport
requires a large capital investment in infrastructure. For example, the recent natural gas
discoveries in Andhra Pradesh would require over 1,500 km of pipeline to supply the Project,
which would make a dedicated pipeline uneconomic. In addition, significant demand exists for
gas from other consumers located close to the source. The option of importing liquid natural gas
into India, including re-gasification and transportation to site, would be cost prohibitive as the site
is located more than 1,100 km from the nearest sea port.
71.
The only other feasible fuel options are coal and nuclear energy. Coal is preferred to
nuclear energy due to its shorter gestation period, lower cost, and relative safety. Large scale
nuclear power generation is not present in India as this sector faces strategic and fuel availability
issues. Coal is the more cost-effective fuel for generating electricity even though it has a higher
pollution potential than alternative fuels such as natural gas, hydropower, and nuclear.

25. 17
D.
Alternative Boiler Technologies
72.
The boiler technology options available for large, pulverized coal-fired power plants are
subcritical, supercritical, and ultra-supercritical. Subcritical plants, considered “business-asusual” in India, operate at steam pressure of less than 19 megapascals, where the steam is a
mix of liquid and gas, and drum-type boilers are used. Supercritical plants operate at steam
pressure of more than 22.1 megapascals and use once-through boilers. The steam at 22.56
megapascals and 374.15°C is said to be in a critical state. At a critical point, the density of water
and steam are the same. Further latent heat at this point is zero, which means there is no
steam–water mixed phase and boilers operating under critical parameters do not have a boiler
drum that separates steam from water. Ultra-supercritical plants are about 2% to 3% more
efficient than supercritical plants. These plants operate at even higher steam pressures of about
30 megapascals and steam temperatures of about 600°C.
73.
Supercritical technology is becoming standard practice in the power industry in
developed economies for large coal-fired power plants due to a higher efficiency than subcritical
technology. The lifecycle costs of supercritical plants are lower than those of subcritical plants. A
supercritical plant costs about 2% more than a subcritical plant to install, while fuel costs are
considerably lower due to the increased efficiency and operating costs. Supercritical plants have
lower emissions than subcritical plants per unit of electricity generated. A 1% increase in
efficiency reduces the specific emissions of nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, particulates, and
carbon dioxide by 2.5%–3.0%. More than 400 supercritical plants are operating in the United
States, Europe, Russia, and Japan.
74.
The use of ultra-supercritical technology is also an option for the Project and would
provide the highest coal combustion efficiency and lowest emission rate of the three alternative
boiler technologies. Ultra-supercritical plants have been constructed in countries such as
Denmark, Germany, Japan, and the United States to utilize high-quality coal. The installation of
ultra-supercritical plants has not been widespread in developing countries, and as yet no such
plants operate on low-quality coal similar to those found in India. The use of this technology in
India is constrained by: (i) higher capital costs; (ii) limited suppliers for the boiler-turbinegenerator package, which restricts multi-company sourcing and the availability of spare parts; (iii)
lack of local experience with the required technology; and (iv) reliability issues with respect to
using Indian coal with a very high ash content.
75.
Based on the above considerations, the Project has adopted supercritical boilers with a
rated super heater outlet steam pressure of 25.4 megapascals, rated super heater outlet steam
temperature of 571ºC, rated reheat steam pressure of 4.2 megapascals, and rated hot reheat
steam temperature of 569ºC. These boilers are at the high end of supercritical technology. This
technology, more expensive than subcritical plant, becomes economically viable when compared
to subcritical technology if Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) under the Kyoto Protocol
carbon credits are granted for the reduction in CO2 emissions that will result. JPL is currently
preparing the necessary documentation for CDM project approval to offset the additional capital
cost. The cost saving gained from the reduction in coal consumption delivered by the use
supercritical technology instead of subcritical plant will be fully passed on to the customer.
E.
Alternative Cooling Systems
76.
Two cooling system alternatives were considered: (i) a closed or recirculation system and
(ii) an open, or once-through, system. The closed system cools the cooling water in cooling
towers before recycling it. The system discharges a portion of its water to maintain cooling water
quality and requires make-up water to replenish discharged water and evaporation losses. The

26. 18
closed system will discharge about 16,400 m3/day of cooling tower blowdown when operated at
five COCs, requiring about 81,840 m3/day of make-up water out of a total plant water
requirement of 120,000 m3/day. The once-through system discharges the entire volume of warm
cooling water into a receiving body of water, requiring 2.4 million m3/day of make-up water.
77.
The closed system was selected because it has a lower lifecycle cost, is more reliable,
and will meet all regulatory requirements. The closed system is also preferred because (i) in
accordance with the Central Pollution Control Board’s guidelines, new thermal power plants
using water from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs are required to install cooling towers irrespective of
location and type of plant, (ii) five COCs will be attained, which will require considerably less
water than a once-through system, (iii) cooling tower blowdown effluent will be recycled and/or
reused on site after treatment, and (iv) the intake pump is much smaller since it only has to
handle about 5,000 m3/hour, which is less than 7% of the volume required for the once-through
system (2.4 million m3/day).
F.
Alternative Wastewater Treatment Systems
78.
The Project will generate wastewater from cooling water, boiler blowdown, water
treatment plant backwash, and regenerated wastewater; and runoff from coal stockpiles and oil
catch pits. The wastewater treatment options are: (i) limited treatment to meet state and national
quality standards and discharge wastewater from the site into a watercourse or drain; (ii) limited
treatment to meet state and national quality standards and use treated wastewater for on-site
irrigation; and (iii) selective treatment of wastewater with major treatment processes to recover a
large volume of treated wastewater for reuse in plant processes and for on-site irrigation.
79.
Off-site discharge is not desirable because there are no established drains or welldefined watercourses. As a result, the large volume of treated wastewater that has to be
discharged would cause inundation in the local area. The only option available is to reduce,
reuse, and recycle wastewater within the project site.
80.
The large volume of blowdown wastewater that will be produced by the Project is far
greater than site irrigation requirements. To reduce the volume of wastewater and to ensure that
it is of acceptable quality for irrigation, treatment will include clarification, ultra-filtration, and RO.
This will recondition a major portion of the wastewater and allow it to be reused in plant
processes, which will reduce raw water requirements. It will also reduce the residual volume
used for irrigation to 30%, which will allow for all treated wastewater to be used on-site.
G.
Alternative Water Resources
81.
The large scale water supply required for project operation (120,000 m3/day) could come
from either of two sources: (i) groundwater, or (ii) a perennial surface water source. However, the
volume of water that could be supplied by local groundwater would be inadequate to meet
project operational requirements. The JLN feeder canal is the only perennial surface water
source in the area, supplied from the Western Yamuna canal network. The Government of
Haryana has allocated an adequate volume of water to the Project on a 16-day cycle from this
source. JPL is funding improvements to the existing canal to increase capacity. Water supplies to
existing users will not be altered by the allocation of water to the Project. The canal will be used
alternatively for irrigation and project supply on a 16-day cycle. The Project will construct a large,
on-site water storage facility with sufficient capacity to supply the plant for 20 days.

27. 19
82.
The Project will treat plant effluent and collect rainwater during the monsoon season as a
secondary water source. This water will be used to establish and maintain the greenbelt and
other vegetation at the project site.
V.
A.
ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES
Physical Environment
1.
During Construction
83.
Project construction has the potential to create a range of environmental impacts
common to major construction sites. These impacts include air pollution, noise, runoff water
quality decline, traffic, and waste generation. The majority of these impacts are short-term and
restricted to the construction site. Construction environmental impacts will be minimized by
implementing good management practices.
84.
Air Pollution. Potential sources of air pollution during project construction are (i) dust
emissions from soil disturbance and vehicle movement on unpaved roads, and (ii) exhaust
emissions from diesel generators, heavy construction equipment, and vehicles. The
construction’s impact on air quality will be minimized through (i) dust suppression by regularly
spraying water on roads and work sites, wetting or covering stockpiles, the proper location of
material stockpiles away from habitation, and covering loaded trucks during the transportation of
material; (ii) use of low-emission vehicles and, wherever feasible, construction equipment
powered by electricity; and (iii) maintenance of engines and use of vehicles with Pollution Under
Control Certificates 10. Contractors will be required to strictly implement these measures.
85.
Noise. Construction activities will generate noise from vehicle movement and the
operation of heavy equipment and machinery for site preparation and facility erection. Typical
noise levels produced by different sources during construction are earthmoving equipment (70–
100
dB[A]),
material
handling
(75–98
dB[A]),
and
impact-based
equipment
81–105 (dB[A]). Noise levels will be reduced by installing acoustic enclosures and noise barriers,
and not permitting high noise activities and the movement of vehicles at night. Construction
workers will be required to wear ear muffs in areas exposed to excessive noise levels. Local
villages are unlikely to be disturbed by plant construction noise as they are located at least 1 km
from the plant site. Some villages are located within 500 m of the water supply pipeline and
railway line corridors. These communities will experience raised noise levels during pipeline
laying and rail line construction, but this disturbance will be restricted to the short term and to
daylight hours.
86.
Traffic. The main access route to the project site is a sealed two-lane district road. Most
plant equipment and construction materials will be transported to the Project along this road, with
the number of loads estimated to peak at 500 per day during the 3.5 year construction period.
Traffic volume on this road is currently low (about 300 vehicle movements per day). Projectrelated traffic will substantially increase the volume of road traffic, but the total volume will not be
excessive.
87.
Oil and Chemical Spills. The contamination of soil and groundwater from accidental
spills of oil, fuels, and hazardous chemicals will be prevented by storing these materials in sealed
10
Pollution Under Control Certificates are normally issued to vehicles that satisfy the emission norms set out in the
Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 and amendments.

28. 20
areas with a holding capacity of at least 150% of the capacity of all liquids being stored.
Measures will also be provided for fire suppression and the neutralization and collection of any
spilled material.
88.
Runoff. Earthmoving and other ground disturbance activities will raise the risk of erosion
at the project site, primarily during the monsoon season when the majority of rainfall is received.
Soil at the project site is sandy and silty, and erodes easily. Off-site sedimentation will result from
soil disturbance unless appropriate measures are implemented. Erosion control measures will be
implemented during construction, including the installation of temporary banks or drains to
control overland runoff and the early installation of drains for rainwater. Most excavation,
backfilling, and site grading will be undertaken during the dry season. Sediment will be trapped
on-site using sediment fences and traps and basins, and by preventing the off-site movement of
coarse material.
89.
Construction Waste. A range of waste materials will be generated from construction
activities, including inert materials such as metal and concrete, and hazardous materials. These
waste materials will be collected, stored, and disposed of in an appropriate manner. Recyclable
or reusable materials will be utilized wherever possible. Inert materials that cannot be recycled
will be disposed of in a suitable landfill. Waste oil will be sold to authorized vendors approved by
the Haryana State Pollution Control Board. Hazardous wastes including used or waste oil will be
stored on-site in a designated area for disposal through authorized vendors.
90.
Excavated Spoil. Approximately 2 million m3 of material will be excavated to create the
plant’s water storage. This material will be used to fill and level the main plant area, raising the
lower areas by up to 4 m, with no material being taken off site.
91.
Sanitation and Hygiene. Project construction activities will engage 2,000–4,000 workers.
Unskilled and semiskilled workers will primarily be sourced from the local area, while other
workers will come from outside areas depending upon the skills required and those available
locally. Outside workers will reside at the project site. Toilets with septic tanks will be provided in
the workforce camp for the disposal of sewage. Solid waste generated by the camp will be
segregated into biodegradable and non-biodegradable materials. All biodegradable kitchen
waste will be collected and used for secondary purposes such as animal feed or composting for
use as manure. Other biodegradable wastes will be collected and disposed of in on-site pits for
subsequent use as manure. Cleanliness and hygiene will be maintained in the workforce camp,
kitchens, and canteens.
92.
Historic and Religious Sites. No major historic or religious sites are located within 20
km of the main plant site, proposed water supply, or rail easements. Local temples exist in most
villages in the vicinity of the Project. Jahazgarh Fort, a historically-significant site that is a tourist
destination known for an annual cattle fair, is located about 20 km to the north-northeast of the
project site.
93.
Other sites. Water reticulation, via the subsurface pipeline from the JLN feeder canal,
requires a 20 m wide easement from the pumphouse to the plant. This easement crosses
agricultural fields, minor watercourses, and the rail line. No houses exist along the proposed
route. Pipeline construction will involve the removal of vegetation (mainly grasses and crops),
trenching, pipe-laying, and backfilling, which will disturb about 24 ha of flat-to-slightly-undulating
land. Construction activities will create a minor erosion hazard that will be controlled by
minimizing vegetation clearance and site disturbance, saving and reusing topsoil, and
progressive site rehabilitation to return the land to its prior agricultural land use.

29. 21
94.
The two spur rail lines will meet at the plant boundary and then run parallel to the
Matanhel–Jhajjar road within the project site. A 20 m wide easement is required for each line
outside the main plant site, covering a total of 3.8 ha of land. The rail corridors do not cross any
settlement areas. One of the lines will cross the local road where a level crossing will be
constructed. Construction of the rail lines on this flat terrain will create ground disturbance, but
the net impact of the civil works will be negligible.
2.
During Operation
95.
The main potential environmental impacts of project operation relate to air quality decline,
greenhouse gas production, liquid waste effluent quality, thermal pollution from the discharge of
spent cooling water, and ash disposal. The EIA assessed environmental impacts and prescribed
appropriate mitigation measures to ensure that the Project’s environmental performance meets
or exceeds national standards and international guidelines for coal-fired power plants.
96.
Emissions. Coal combustion produces emissions of the following major pollutants: SO2;
NOX; particulate matter (PM), including particulates smaller than 10 microns that are referred to
as respirable particulate matter (RPM); and CO2, which is a major greenhouse gas. 11 The Project
will minimize the emission of these pollutants by using advanced technology and control
measures. An FGD plant will be installed to reduce SO2 emissions by approximately 90%, while
coal with a low sulfur content (not exceeding 0.35%) will also help minimize these emissions.
Dry-low, NOx-type coal burners will be installed to reduce NOX production. SPM emissions will
be reduced to acceptable levels by the installation of ESPs with a minimum efficiency of 99.91%.
The FGD unit will also help to reduce SPM emissions.
97.
The Project’s emission rates will be within the limits prescribed in World Bank guidelines.
SO2 will be limited to 200 milligram per normal cubic meter (mg/Nm3) and 24.5 tons per day (tpd),
which are well within the World Bank guideline limits of 2,000 mg/Nm3 and 450 tpd. NOx
emissions of 650 mg/ Nm3 will also be less than the limit of 750 mg/Nm3. The ESPs will limit PM
concentrations in flue gases to less than 50 mg/Nm3. The expected emission rates of the plant
are summarized in Table 6 and the prediction calculations are presented in Appendix 6.
Table 6: Expected Emissions of the Power Plant
Parameter
SO2
NOX
PM
Expected Emission1
200 mg/Nm3
24.5 TPD
(141.9 g/s per unit)
650 mg/Nm3
(461.2 g/s per unit)
50 mg/Nm3
(35.5 g/s per unit)
Indian Limit2
World Bank Norm3
700 TPD
2,000 mg/Nm3
450 TPD
No standard
750 mg/Nm3
100 mg/Nm3
50 mg/Nm3
mg/Nm3 = milligram per normal cubic meter, NOX = nitrogen oxide, PM = particulate matter, SO2 = sulfur dioxide, TPD
= tons per day.
Sources: JPL, unpublished; Ministry of Environment and Forests, 1998. Environmental Standards for Power Plants,
MoEF New Delhi Notification G.S.R. 7; World Bank, 1998. Pollution Prevention and Abatement Handbook.
Washington, DC.
11
The amount of CO2 generated by burning 5.9 million metric tons per annum of coal with 41.2% carbon content
would be about 28,400 tpd.

30. 22
98.
Ambient Air Quality. The Project will discharge gases through a 275 m high stack
containing two flues, in compliance with the emissions requirements of MoEF. Ambient air quality
was predicted using the Industrial Source Complex Short Term (ISCST3) model 12. The prediction
was based on the emissions data in Table 6, an assumption of coal with 0.35% sulfur at 100%
load and 100% conversion of sulfur into SO2 and emissions, and local meteorological conditions.
The ambient air quality predictions for individual pollutants that will be emitted by the plant are
given for the worst case scenario in Table 7 and in more detail in Appendix 7. The predicted
incremental increase in ground level concentrations of each major pollutant is within the
stipulated maximum amount indicated in the World Bank guidelines. The overall impact of the
Project on ambient air quality is expected to be low.
Table 7: Overall Worst Case Predicted Ground Level Concentrations
In the Study Area from the Project (μg/m3)
24 Hour Concentration
Baseline 98 percentile monitored
concentration (maximum)
SO2
NOX
SPM
8.3
33.9
384.5
Predicted maximum incremental GLC
11.0
35.8
2.8
Overall GLC during worst case
scenario
19.3
69.7
387.3
NAAQS limit (rural and residential)
80.0
80.0
200.0
GLC = ground level concentration, mg/Nm3 = milligram per normal cubic meter, NAAQS = National Ambient Air
3
Quality Standards, NOX = nitrogen oxide, SO2 = sulfur dioxide, SPM = suspended particulate matter, μg/m =
microgram per cubic meter.
Source: ERM, 2008. Calculated using USEPA ISCST3 air dispersion model (2000).
99.
Ambient air quality in the Project airshed will remain below the prescribed standards for
SO2 and NOx. SO2 concentrations will be low due to the installation of an FGD unit. Baseline
levels of SPM are high during the summer primarily due to the high content of fine sand in the
local topsoil and agriculture activities that create soil disturbance prior to the onset of the
monsoon. As a result of these existing conditions, the ambient air SPM levels will be above the
prescribed limit during Project operation for at least part of the year.
100. Greenhouse Gas Emissions. The supercritical boilers will generate CO2 emissions of
8.05 million tons per annum (at a rate of 0.86 kg/KWh net at 87% PLF), while the estimated
baseline CO2 emissions from business-as-usual technology is estimated to be 8.90 million tons
per annum (at a rate 0.95 kg/KWh net). Accordingly, a saving of 0.85 million tons per annum CO2
emissions is estimated.
101. Carbon Capture Readiness. Carbon capture from the plant, based on carbon dioxide
separation and underground storage, has the potential to substantially reduce the carbon
emissions of the Project. The technology for post-combustion carbon capture is under active
development and may be available soon. An analysis has been carried out to identify the issues
that need to be considered by the Project for carbon capture readiness (CCR) in the event that
12
Ambient air ground level concentrations (GLCs) were predicted using the United State Environment Protection
Agency Industrial Source Complex Short Term Release 3 (ISCST3) model (version 2000). The model is capable of
accepting multi-point emission sources and hourly meteorological data including mixing height, stabilities and terrain
features to define the conditions for plume rise for each source and receptor combination for each hour of input of
meteorological data sequentially, and calculates short term averages up to 24 hours.

31. 23
reliable technology and suitable storage options become commercially viable. These
considerations include allocating space in the plant layout to install post-combustion carbon
capture equipment, producing clean and desulfurized flue gas, and providing a sufficient
electrical and steam supply to operate the capture system.
102. The Project has sufficient space for the installation of carbon capture equipment. The
Project has a major advantage over other Indian coal-fired projects because it will have an FGD
unit from the outset, which may be a precondition for carbon capture. The necessary electricity
and steam supplies for the carbon capture system can be made available. It is envisaged that
ongoing research will identify CO2 storage areas within reach of the Jhajjar site. Accordingly, it is
concluded that the Project has the necessary features of CCR.
103. Noise. Significant noise levels can result from the operation of turbines, compressors,
transformers, the coal handling plant, coal conveyor movement, blowdown of excess steam, and
steam venting from safety valves. The transformers in the switchyard can also generate noise.
The noise levels emitted by operating machinery will be 90–100 dB(A). The steam turbine
generators will be housed in closed buildings to reduce noise transmission to the outside
environment. Acoustic enclosures, hoods, laggings, and screens will be provided at all highnoise generating areas. All measures will be taken to keep noise levels at the plant boundary
within stipulated limits. Maintenance and operating personnel working in the plant will be
provided with adequate personal protection against noise. The inlet air and exhaust gas streams
will be provided with silencers for noise reduction. All equipment in the plant is designed and will
be operated for noise levels not exceeding 75 dB(A) measured at a distance of 1.5 m from the
equipment. In addition, other measures will be implemented as necessary to ensure that noise at
the plant boundary does not exceed stipulated limits. The maximum background and predicted
noise levels are summarized in Table 8.
Table 8: Maximum Background and Predicted Noise Levels
Site
1
2
3
4
5
Sampling Station
Near plant site
Khanpur Khurd (1.5 km south)
Jharli (2 km east)
Sasrauli (5.5 km northeast)
Railway crossing (2 km northeast)
Day (Leq dB[A])
Baseline
Predicted
52.9
52.9
54.4
54.4
49.8
49.8
46.9
46.9
60.0
60.1
Night (Leq dB[A])
Baseline
Predicted
40.1
40.8
43.6
43.6
42.2
42.3
40.3
40.3
46.1
47.5
dB(A) = decibels (acoustic), Leq = equivalent continuous noise level, day = 0600 to 2200 hours; night = 2200 to 0600
hours.
Source: baseline - EIA/EMP Report for 1,320 MW Thermal Power Plant, Jhajjar, Haryana. January 2008; predicted –
JPL.
104. The monitored average noise levels at rural and residential areas around the project site
varied from 46.9 to 54.4 dB(A) during the day and 40.1 to 46.1 dB(A) at night. The minimum
distance between the Project’s major noise sources (power block and cooling towers) and the
outer periphery of the Project will be approximately 400 m. Based on computer modeling, the
maximum cumulative impact of all noise sources at the Project boundary in the direction of each
nearby village is predicted to be less than 10 dB(A). After adding the predicted values to the
background values through logarithmic addition, the increase in noise levels are predicted to
remain within the prescribed norms at nearby villages, with the nearest village predicted to
receive a net increase of 1.4–1.7 dB(A) above background noise, which is within the World
Bank’s guidelines of a maximum increase of 3 dB(A) over background noise.

32. 24
105. Coal Dust. Coal will be received in open-type railway wagons and unloaded at site using
tippers. The coal will then transported by conveyor to the crusher house. Crushed coal will be
sent to either the bunker for storage and onward feeding to mill, or sent to the coal stockyard for
temporary storage. Coal will be stockpiled in the yard and reclaimed on a regular basis. Coal
dust emissions will either come from point sources such as crushing equipment and transfer
points, or from fugitive sources such as stockpiles.
106. During coal unloading and onward transfer to the crusher, dust will be suppressed by
spraying water. A dust extraction system will be installed at the crusher house on the feeder
floors. Dust emissions from the coal stockpiles and from coal reclamation to the bunkers will also
be controlled by spraying water. The coal dust extraction system is designed to suck dust-laden
air from confined areas such as screening and belt feeders and at transfer points. The trapped
air will be subjected to washing with the help of water sprays, and the clean air will be vented
back into the atmosphere. Water containing coal dust will be taken to a settling pond for the
removal of dust particles.
107. Coal dust suppression in open areas will consist of a fine spray of water to wet the dust
particles, causing the particles to agglomerate and settle. The dust suppression system consists
of swiveling-type, wide-angle, full cone-type nozzles. Drainage from coal yards will flow into a
settling pond for the removal of coal particles.
108. Water Use. The water allocated to the Project for plant operation is in addition to the
water currently allocated and used for other purposes such as irrigation, industry, and domestic
use. Accordingly, the water supply for existing uses will not be reduced by the Project’s allocation
of water. Canal upgrading will increase the existing capacity of the JLN feeder canal from 84.7
m3/s (2,990 cusecs) to greater than 93.2 m3/s (3,290 cusecs), which will ensure that the 8.5 m3/s
(300 cusecs) of water required to operate the two thermal power plants is provided without
reducing the capacity of the canal to supply existing water users.
109. Effluent Water Quality. The plant will generate wastewater from the pre-treatment plant,
demineralization plant, cooling tower blowdown, boiler blowdown, wastewater from ultra filtration
and RO unit, decanted water from ash dykes, and service and wash wastewater from different
sections of the plant. On-site wastewater will be treated to achieve maximum reuse and recycling.
Leftover wastewater will be used to irrigate on-site vegetation throughout the year except during
the monsoon. In accordance with World Bank guidelines, wastewater will be treated to the levels
prescribed in Table 9 or better. Treated effluent will also meet irrigation water quality standards
(Table 10).
Table 9: Thermal Power Plant Standard for Liquid Effluent
Source
Parameter
Free available chlorine
Suspended solids
1
Boiler Blowdown
Oil & grease
Concentration not Exceeding
(mg/l, except pH)
0.5
100.0
20.0
Copper (Total)
Iron (Total)
2
Cooling Tower
Blowdown
1.0
1.0
Free available chlorine
0.5
Zinc
1.0

33. 25
Source
Concentration not Exceeding
(mg/l, except pH)
Parameter
Chromium (Total)
0.2
Phosphate
5.0
Limit to be established on case–
by-case basis by the Central
Board in union territories and
State Boards in states
6.5–8.5
Other corrosion inhibiting
material
pH
3
Ash pond effluent
Suspended solids
100.0
Oil and grease
20.0
Note: mg/l = milligram per litre, pH = potential hydrogen.
Source: Environmental (Protection) Act Notification (SO no. 844 E) dated 19 November 1996.
Table 10: Applicable Standards for Use of Water or Liquid Effluent for Irrigation
Parameter
S.N.
1
pH
2
Conductivity at 25ºC,
3
Unit
-–
Bureau of Indian
Standard*
General Standard for
Discharge of
Environmental
Pollutants for Irrigation**
6.0–8.0
5.5–9.0
µs/cm
2.25
Sulphates (as SO4)
mg/l
1,000
–
–
4
Boron
mg/l
2
–
5
Chlorides
mg/l
500
–
6
Total Dissolved Solids
mg/l
7
mg/l
2,100
–
–
Suspended solids
200
8
Oil and Grease
mg/l
–
10
mg/l
–
10
Biochemical Oxygen
Demand (3 days at 27ºC)
Arsenic
mg/l
–
11
Cyanide
mg/l
–
12
Bioassay test
9
–
–
100
0.2
0.2
90% survival of fish
after 96 hours in 100%
effluent
Note: mg/l = milligram per litre, µS/cm = microseimens per centimeter, pH = potential hydrogen.
Source: *Bureau of Indian Standards code IS: 11624:1986; **Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986 and amendment
1993.
110. Ash Disposal. The Project will generate ash at a rate of about 291 tph from coal
combustion, based on coal with an average ash content of 34%. Ash will be utilized off-site for
secondary uses as per the ash utilization plan as detailed in Appendix 12. Ash will be handled in
dry form, using a closed circuit pneumatic mechanism, and directly loaded into enclosed trucks
through ash silos.
111. Fly ash will be collected in dry form. Fly ash generated from the plant will be commercially
utilized to the maximum extent possible in industries such as cement and ash brick manufacture,

34. 26
road construction, pavement laying, and fly ash aggregates production. Fly ash will also be used
for the construction of the ash pond dyke and the reclamation of low-lying areas. Additional
options for ash use will also be considered. Full fly ash usage will be achieved at a rate faster
than prescribed in the provisions for the notification on fly ash utilization issued by MoEF in
September 1999 (and the subsequent amendment to the notification), which requires usage prior
to the ninth year of project operation. Unutilized fly ash will be transferred from the silo in wet
form and stored in the ash pond until suitable users are identified. Bottom ash will also be
collected in wet form and stored in the ash dyke until suitable users are identified.
112. The ash dyke will have a capacity of at least 4 million m3. The sub-strata soil has
permeability in the order of 10-5 m/sec. The Project will line the pond in order to prevent leakage.
A detailed ash leaching study will be undertaken to determine a suitable lining.
B.
Biological Environment
1.
During Construction
113. The project site has limited agricultural capability and is low yielding. The area is dry to
semi-arid, with ground cover consisting of a few scattered trees, sparse shrubby vegetation, and
grasses. Clearing the site will result in the loss of habitat for some small animals. This loss of
habitat cannot be avoided but it will have a limited impact on the fauna and flora of the area.
Small mammals and avifauna will experience the most impact. The influx of labor may increase
the demand for fuel wood, which in turn will put pressure on local natural resources. Construction
contractors will be instructed to avoid tree cutting wherever possible. Contractors will also be
required to supply fuel to the work camp to avoid any impact on local resources.
2.
During Operation
114. The potential impacts on the ecology of the nearby area from thermal power plant
operation include the deposit of fly ash on vegetation, disturbance to wildlife by noise, and loss of
aquatic fauna at the water intake point and in the treated effluent receiving body. The impacts of
the Project on the biological environment will be limited by the implementation of mitigation
measures. The installation of ESPs will substantially reduce the SPM levels of flue gases, which
will prevent ash from settling and damaging vegetation in the vicinity of the plant. The
implementation of noise control measures will minimize disturbances to fauna and avifauna in
the area. The Project will establish a greenbelt around the plant and at several locations within
the plant’s premises and the water reservoir, covering a total combined area of 137 ha
(approximately 30% of the entire project site). The greenbelt will provide a habitat for some
species.
115. The water supply pipeline intake point from the JLN feeder canal will be provided with
sufficient screening to filter out larger aquatic organisms (e.g., fish, frogs, and toads) and foreign
matter, preventing this material from being drawn into the pumps. The Project will not discharge
any treated effluent off site and there will be no thermal impact on nearby bodies of water.
C.
Socio-cultural Environment
1.
During Construction
116. Loss of Land and Livelihood. Private land is being acquired for the Project under the
Land Acquisition Act, 1894. Land compensation rates have been agreed to by the Government
of Haryana and affected households. The agreed rates were higher than the prevailing market
prices at the time of negotiation in 2007. Land compensation consists of a cash payment plus a

35. 27
deposit that will yield an annuity for 33 years. The deposit is designed to provide long-term
livelihood support for each affected household.
117. The project site is uninhabited and there will be no displacement of households. However,
the Project will have an impact on livelihoods since agricultural activities will be affected by land
acquisition and restricted access to public grazing land. The 33-year annuity will help to offset
this impact. In addition, JPL will work closely with communities to develop alternative livelihoods
for those requiring new economic activities. Agriculture and ancillary activities form the mainstay
of livelihoods in the immediate vicinity of the Project area. Single crops of bajra and gowar are
reported to be the main crops grown on the affected land, while those landowners with a private
irrigation water supply cultivate a second crop of wheat and mustard. Villages like Khanpur
Khurd, Khanpur Kalan, and Jharli have agricultural land at scattered locations on both sides of
the main road. Although agriculture is practiced on the plant site, the productivity and incomegenerating capacity of this land is low. Associated impacts from this loss of land and production
include: (i) loss of opportunities for agricultural laborers; and (ii) decrease in economic
participation and loss of opportunities for women who work this land, primarily for sourcing fodder.
118. Community access to grazing land will be lost with the establishment of the Project. A
range of private assets are located on this land, including tube wells, pucca/kutcha sheds, water
supply pipelines, open wells, trees, and submersible pumps. A total of 98 assets were recorded
on the plant site by the District Revenue Office, of which Khanpur Khurd had 53, Khanpur Kalan
had 35, Jharli had 5, and Wazidpur had 5. Each asset has been valued and the owners are
being provided compensation at above market prices.
119. Social and Cultural Conflicts. The influx of workers from outside the area has the
potential to create conflict with local people and increase the risk of communicable diseases
such as HIV 13 , tuberculosis, and cholera. The Project’s construction workforce will comprise
2,000-4,000 persons over 40 months (Table 11). To minimize conflicts between construction
workers and local villagers, workers will be recruited from adjacent villages to the greatest extent
possible, and the necessary social infrastructure will be provided for the workforce. Workers and
professional personnel from outside the area will stay in temporary accommodations on the
project site. Increased traffic in the project area during construction will be controlled on and off
the site to minimize safety hazards.
Table 11: Number of People to be Employed
Period
Company Employees
Contractor
Employees
Total
Construction
50
2,000–4,000
2,050–4,050
Operation
275
50
325
Source: JPL and EIA/EMP Report for 1,320 (2 X 660) MW Thermal Power Plant Project. Jhajjar, Haryana. MECON,
2007.
2.
During Operation
120. The completion of construction activities will see a reduction in job opportunities in the
project area that could create local resentment. During project operation, about 275 people will
be employed. Employees and their families will reside in the plant residential site, where they will
13
human immunodeficiency virus.

36. 28
contribute to demand for local food and services. Project operation will spur the local economy
by providing indirect business opportunities in the area.
D.
Induced Development
121. The demand for food and services that will be created by the Project during construction
and operation is likely to induce development in the local area around the project site. With an
increase in employment opportunities, people will be encouraged to take up skills development
and technical training. The level of literacy is expected to rise over time as a result. These
changes will vary in intensity at different locations. The greatest impact is likely to occur in the
immediate project area at Khanpur Khurd and Jharli, with less impact in the surrounding areas of
Bahu-Jolhri and regional centers such as Jhajjar and Dadri.
E.
Cumulative Impact
122. Apart from the Project, the only major existing or proposed industrial activity in the Project
airshed is the 1,500 MW coal-fired ATPP that is currently under construction on the eastern side
of the Project. This plant is being developed by Aravali Power Company Private Limited (APCPL),
a joint venture company between the Government of Haryana, Government of Delhi, and NTPC
Limited, which is the central Government utility company. The plant will consist of three 500 MW
units. The primary environmental impact of the Project and the coal-fired ATPP will be a decline
in air quality. The flue gas emissions of both projects are summarized in Table 12, with projected
ATPP emissions based on the environmental clearance issued by MoEF.
Table 12: Predicted Emissions from the Project and ATPP
Parameter
SO2
NOX
PM
Project Emissions
per Unit*
(660 MW x 2 units)
200 mg/Nm3
24.5 TPD
(141.6 g/s)
650 mg/Nm3
(460.2 g/s)
50 mg/Nm3
(35.5 g/s)
ATPP Emissions
per Unit**
(500 MW x 3 units)
1,315 mg/Nm3
188.85 TPD
(728.6 g/s)
650 mg/Nm3
(360.1 g/s)
50 mg/Nm3
(55.4 g/s)
Indian Limit*
World Bank Norm
700 TPD
2,000 mg/Nm3
450 TPD
Low NOx burner
prescribed
750 mg/Nm3
100 mg/Nm3
50 mg/Nm3
mg/Nm3 = milligram per normal cubic meter, NOX = nitrogen oxide, SO2 = sulfur dioxide, PM = particulate matter, TPD
= tons per day.
Source: Jhajjar Power Limited.
*Ministry of Environment and Forests. 1998. Environmental Standards for Power Plants, MOEF New Delhi Notification
G.S.R. 7.
** The expected emissions for Aravali Thermal Power Plant are based on assumption of 0.5% of Sulfur in Coal, SO2
emissions are without FGD in place, PM emissions with a limit of 100 mg/Nm3 and NOx limit of 650 mg/Nm3.
123. The combined effect of emissions from the Project and ATPP on air quality was assessed
using the ISCST3 air dispersion model. Table 13 summarizes the predicted worst case ambient
air quality resulting from the combined projects, while the cumulative predicted air quality at each
monitoring location is presented in Appendix 8.