Maharashtra State Electricity Generation Company Limited (MahaGenco) has claimed that the study titled ‘Water - Insufficient Power - Implementing Water Norms and Zero Discharge in India’s Coal-Power Fleet’ conducted by Centre For Science and Environment (CSE), New Delhi, is based on old water consumption data. MahaGenco has taken a lot of effective steps to minimise fresh water usage in all its thermal power stations. The report published in The Hitavada on June 1 was based on the CSE study. Its finding stated, “Koradi, Chandrapur and Nashik Thermal Power Plants (TPPs) are the highest fresh water utilising TPPs in Maharashtra. Also, these three power plants are the most non-complying coal-based thermal power plants to curtail fresh water utilisation in the country.

Responding to the ‘The Hitavada’ report, MahaGenco admitted, “Although the specific water consumption of Nashik TPP is slightly higher than the norm. It is basically due to older installation of the unit and the poor water quality of Godavari river.” However, Chandrapur TPP will also be using sewage water for power generation ‘shortly’, MahaGenco stated. About Koradi TPP, MahaGenco stated, “Koradi TPP is using around 95% recycled water for power generation which it receives from Nagpur Municipal Corporation’s Bhandewadi sewage treatment plant.” It claimed, “This has saved precious Pench river fresh water which is now available for the drinking purpose to the residents of Nagpur city.”