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Vidarbha’s Carbon Footprint Surge and the Forces Driving It

Vidarbha’s Carbon Footprint Surge and the Forces Driving It
Vidarbha’s Carbon Footprint Surge and the Forces Driving It

Vidarbha has emerged as a focal point for environmental concerns as new data reveals significant changes in its carbon footprint between 2020 and 2025.


This region, home to approximately 23 million people across 11 districts, including Nagpur and Chandrapur, has witnessed dramatic shifts in greenhouse gas emissions patterns that reflect both industrial growth and environmental challenges.


Recent analysis shows that thermal power plants alone contributed 129.2 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions in 2021-22, making them the single largest source of carbon emissions in the region.


The data indicate substantial environmental pressures from coal-based industries, with domestic coal consumption in Maharashtra doubling over the past decade at a compound annual growth rate of 7 percent.


Coal-Powered Energy Dominance Shapes Regional Emissions


Vidarbha's role as Maharashtra's energy backbone has intensified during the 2020-2025 period, with the region responsible for 100 percent of the state's coal production and half of its coal-based thermal power capacity.


The Chandrapur-Nagpur-Yavatmal region alone hosts major thermal power stations including Chandrapur Super Thermal Power Station with 2,920 MW capacity, Koradi Thermal Power Station, Khaperkheda Super Thermal Power Plant, and Mouda Super Thermal Power project.

These facilities have seen their emissions grow at a compound annual growth rate of 4.4 percent since 2011-12, with thermal power plant emissions reaching their peak during the recovery period following COVID-19.


Coal consumption patterns reveal the scale of environmental impact. Data shows that coal-based thermal power plants accounted for 96 percent of electricity generation in Maharashtra by 2021-22, with gas and diesel-based plants contributing only 3.9 percent and 0.1 percent, respectively.


The installed capacity of thermal power plants stands at 27 GW in the state, with coal accounting for 91.5 percent of total capacity. Utility plants represent 84 percent of installed coal-based capacity, while captive plants make up the remaining 16 percent.


Industrial emissions data from the star-rating programme conducted by Maharashtra Pollution Control Board revealed that 19 out of 48 industries surveyed in Vidarbha received five-star ratings for being 'least polluting', while two received one-star ratings for being 'most polluting'.


However, a separate analysis of Nagpur district showed that nearly 63 percent of industries were emitting toxic pollutants significantly higher than safe limits.

The most polluting industries comprised largely of chemicals, textiles and metal works sectors, with eight industries receiving one-star ratings indicating particulate matter emissions of 250 mg/NM3 or more, nearly twice the permissible standards.


Environmental monitoring data from the region shows concerning trends. Air quality measurements indicate that while sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide concentrations remained below standard limits of 50 µg/m³ and 40 µg/m³ respectively, particulate matter levels frequently exceeded safe thresholds.


Chandrapur emerged as the most polluted city compared to other Vidarbha centres, with particularly high levels of PM10, PM2.5, and Air Quality Index readings. Recent air quality data shows Chandrapur's AQI fluctuating between moderate and poor categories, with readings of 110 recorded in early August 2025.


Policy Shifts and Environmental Implications


A significant policy development occurred in July 2025 when India's Environment Ministry rolled back key clean-air mandates for coal power stations.


This policy shift exempts nearly 78 percent of the country's coal plants from installing flue-gas desulphurisation units, critical equipment for curbing toxic sulphur dioxide emissions.


The new notification effectively rewrites pollution control rules, with 79 percent of India's coal-fired plants located more than 10 kilometres from densely populated areas receiving full exemptions from FGD requirements.

This policy change particularly affects Vidarbha, which houses some of India's largest coal power stations. Under the original 2015 mandate, all coal plants were to retrofit FGDs in phases by 2022-2025 to meet stricter emission norms.


The relaxation means that only plants closest to major metropolitan areas must install FGDs, with their deadline pushed back to December 2027. Environmental activists have expressed concern that this decision will allow unabated pollution in regions like Vidarbha, even as officials defend the relaxation based on practical constraints and energy needs.


The health implications of industrial operations have become increasingly evident. A February 2022 report by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air estimated that the operation of units at Chandrapur Super Thermal Power Station in 2020 could be linked to 85 premature deaths in Chandrapur and 62 in Nagpur.


The study also indicated that the effects of ambient air pollution from CSTPS resulted in various health illnesses, leading to 34,000 sick leave days in Chandrapur and 30,000 days in Nagpur.

Coal ash pollution has emerged as a major environmental concern. Research indicates that soil samples nearer to fly ash ponds and thermal power stations show higher pollution levels with heavy metals, including lead, cadmium, chromium, and arsenic, compared to distant soil samples.


The Maharashtra State Power Generation Company Limited has faced criticism for ash pond management, with villagers in areas like Nandgaon demanding displacement due to flooding of fields and lack of livelihood opportunities.


The accumulated ash over decades continues to threaten the health and water security of villagers, with almost every water sample collected from affected regions failing to meet drinking water standards due to heavy metal contamination.


Transportation and Industrial Growth Patterns


The transportation sector has contributed significantly to Vidarbha's carbon footprint, with road transport accounting for 12.2 percent of total greenhouse gas emissions in Maharashtra.


Emissions from this sector have grown moderately at a compound annual growth rate of 2 percent over the past decade, largely due to low growth in diesel consumption at 1.1 percent annually.

However, petrol consumption has increased by 5 percent annually due to growth in ownership of two-wheelers and cars.


Vehicle registration data reveals the scale of transportation growth. Registration of two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and cars increased by 114 percent over the past decade in Maharashtra.


Nagpur city specifically recorded a 20 percent increase in new vehicle registration despite having metro service, municipal bus service with over 400 buses, and approximately 30,000 auto-rickshaws.


The addition of 197 vehicles daily in Nagpur raises questions about public transport efficiency, with the city having only 11 buses per lakh population compared to the recommended 50 buses per lakh population.


Industrial development initiatives have continued despite environmental concerns. The first edition of 'Khasdar Industrial Mahotsav, Advantage Vidarbha' held in January 2024 witnessed participation of over 250 exhibitors, with 90 percent representing the Vidarbha industry .


The event highlighted Vidarbha's industrial potential while acknowledging the need to balance growth with environmental responsibility.

Natural gas infrastructure development has progressed as an alternative energy source. The Mumbai-Nagpur-Jharsuguda pipeline reached Butibori in April 2025, with HCG Nagpur Private Limited receiving marketing exclusivity for the Nagpur district from July 2023.


The company has laid 180 kilometres of distribution pipe through industrial areas and opened seven CNG stations by July 2025. Industrial customers in cotton ginning, steel rerolling, and food processing sectors have registered demand for 1.5 million standard cubic metres per day, reporting potential savings of 10-20 percent over furnace oil.



Future Projections and Green Transition Initiatives

Future Projections and Green Transition Initiatives in Vidarbha
Future Projections and Green Transition Initiatives

Looking ahead, Vidarbha appears positioned for significant transformation through green energy initiatives.


India's first regional energy transition plan for Vidarbha suggests that approximately 25 million tonnes of carbon emissions could be saved if the region's coal-based mining and energy economy transitions to renewable sources and forests.

This saving would be equivalent to removing 12.5 million polluting cars from roads, representing one-third of total vehicles in Maharashtra.


The transition plan identifies potential for substantial economic benefits. A green transition in the Chandrapur-Nagpur-Yavatmal region could unlock Rs 5.4 lakh crore investment, 3.4 lakh jobs, and 4 percent regional GDP growth by 2035.


The plan proposes repurposing 6,000 hectares of coal mine land into green energy and industrial hubs across three Economic Development Nodes. Solar energy potential in the region could generate 37 GW of opportunities.


Resource availability data indicates both challenges and opportunities. With coal production decline projected at 50 percent in the next decade due to resource exhaustion, the region faces pressure to diversify its energy portfolio. Public investments worth Rs 33,400 crore from coal companies and power utilities could fund land reclamation and repurposing initiatives.


The transition strategy recognises Vidarbha's role as Maharashtra's energy backbone while planning for sustainable alternatives.

The data spanning 2020-2025 reveals Vidarbha at a critical juncture. While the region continues to serve as a major energy provider through coal-based operations, mounting environmental evidence and policy discussions point toward necessary changes. The challenge lies in balancing immediate energy security needs with long-term environmental sustainability, particularly given the region's significant contribution to both state and national carbon emissions.


As green transition plans take shape, the coming years will determine whether Vidarbha can successfully transform from a carbon-intensive economy to a model of sustainable energy development..


References




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