EAC grants ToR for GMR Warora’s 660 MW thermal power expansion
The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) for Thermal Projects under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has recommended the grant of Terms of Reference (ToR) for the expansion of GMR Warora Energy Limited’s (GWEL) thermal power plant in Maharashtra. The proposal was considered during the 46th meeting of the EAC held on June 18, 2026.
The proposal involves expanding the existing thermal power plant from 600 MW (2×300 MW) to 1,260 MW by adding a 1×660 MW supercritical coal-based unit (Phase III).
The new unit will be developed within the existing 174-hectare plant premises at the Mohabala MIDC Growth Centre in Warora, Chandrapur district. No additional land acquisition or rehabilitation and resettlement (R&R) is required.
Environmental studies
The ToR prescribes the scope of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study that GWEL must undertake before seeking environmental clearance.
The EAC directed the company to assess the project’s impact on nearby reserve forests, including Shegoan Reserve Forest, Kawadepur Reserve Forest and Temurda Reserve Forest, through a study vetted by the State Forest Department.
The committee also sought detailed studies on aquatic ecology in the Wardha River, hydrogeology, biodiversity, public health and watershed management.
Pollution control
The proposed unit will be equipped with electrostatic precipitators (ESPs) for particulate matter control and a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions.
The EAC directed the company to submit a detailed plan for sulphur dioxide (SOâ‚‚) emission control through a Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) system and a 275-metre chimney in line with the latest MoEF&CC notification. Wind barriers have also been mandated around the coal handling area to minimise fugitive dust emissions.
Water and green belt
The project will require 38,000 cubic metres of water per day, to be sourced from the Wardha River. The committee directed the company to incorporate rainwater harvesting measures and prepare a comprehensive watershed management plan.
The existing plant has a green belt covering about 70 hectares, or around 40% of the project area. The expansion will require the removal of some trees, for which the EAC has directed GWEL to prepare a tree translocation plan in consultation with the State Forest Department. A budget of Rs 3 crore has been earmarked for this activity, while the overall green belt is proposed to be increased to 75 hectares.
Additional requirements
The committee has also sought a carbon footprint assessment and carbon sequestration plan, detailed coal sourcing and 100% ash utilisation plans, a dry ash collection system, and a site-specific risk assessment and disaster management plan.
The EAC noted that seven other power units operate in the surrounding area and directed the company to closely assess cumulative air quality impacts. It also asked the project proponent to prepare an action plan for agriculture and animal husbandry development under its Corporate Environment Responsibility (CER) programme.
Next steps
The grant of ToR marks the initial stage of the environmental clearance process. GWEL will now prepare the EIA report based on the prescribed ToR before the proposal is taken up for public consultation and final appraisal for environmental clearance.
The featured photograph is for representation only.
