Title: Environmental impact assessment of coal-based thermal power plant near Udupi Power Corporation Limited in Karnataka - India

Authors: Lewlyn L.R. Rodrigues; H.C. Shiva Prasad; James Joseph; K.V. Sriram

Addresses: Department of Humanities and Management, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, India ' Department of Humanities and Management, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, India ' Department of Humanities and Management, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, India ' Department of Humanities and Management, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, India

Abstract: The Udupi District in Karnataka, South India, is an eco-sensitive region known for its copious rainfall, greenery and rare species of flora and fauna. Commissioning of a coal-based thermal power plant in this region has an adverse effect on the environment. The purpose of this study is to identify and assess the environmental impact on the villages surrounding the thermal power plant commissioned by Udupi Power Corporation Limited (UPCL) at Nandikur, Udupi District. This study concludes that thermal power plant is causing serious issues to the environment and social life of the people. Hence people have started to resist further industrial growth. Results of the study are an important source of information for the regulatory bodies to promote sustainable development. This study is a visible indicator of social ethics and serves as a warning signal to the management of UPCL to make their operations more environmentally friendly.

Keywords: environmental impact assessment; thermal power plant; sustainable development; environmental degradation; power generation; social impact; India.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEWM.2018.094114

International Journal of Environment and Waste Management, 2018 Vol.22 No.1/2/3/4, pp.282 - 295

Received: 23 Aug 2017
Accepted: 17 Feb 2018
Published online: 16 Aug 2018 *

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