(a) whether the Union Government is contemplating to review the use of water in thermal power plants, if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the Union Government has constituted any expert committee for the purpose; and
(c) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR POWER,
COAL, NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY AND MINES
( SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL )
(a) : Government of India has already notified the amended Environment (Protection) 1986 Rules comprising of new Water consumption norms for Thermal Power Plants vide Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change Notification No. 3305 (E) dated 07.12.2015.
Further, Government of India has notified new Tariff Policy on 28.01.2016 wherein it is mandated that the thermal power plant(s) including the existing plants located within 50 km radius of sewage treatment plant of Municipality / local bodies / similar organisation shall, in the order to their closeness to sewage treatment plant, mandatorily use treated sewage water produced by these bodies and the associated cost on this account be allowed as pass through in the tariff.
(b) : No, Madam.
(c) : Does not arise.
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