CONCLUSION

Physico chemical and heavy metal analysis of 29 water samples collected in core region (within 2 km of  TPP) show of lower DO, and higher values of TDS, Turbidity, Chlorides, Sodium, Potassium, Magnesium and Total hardness levels. Water samples collected from Yellur, Padebetu, Nandikur and Santhur villages which were within 2-4 km from TPP exceeded the permissible limits. All samples within the core zone reveal heavy metals and trace elements contamination exceeding the permissible limits. Mismanagement is evident from the coal washed water draining to the nearby streams, which has enhanced the ionic concentrations. Apart from these, due to deposition of supersaturated saline mist on soil and foliage has resulted in the stunted growth of saplings (very evident in the TPP’s green belt), drying of leaves, corrosion of metals and resultant damage to tin roofs, dish antennas, transmission lines, railway tracks, fencing of TPP boundary, enhanced respiratory diseases, non-palatable grasses (livestock refrain from feeding on grasses), etc.. The saline mist gets released from the cooling towers, which is locally dispersed by the wind to the nearby localities even up to 2 km. Heavy metals being leached out from the plant contaminated the water resources nearby and has affected the health and livelihood of local people.