Which of the following statements about sources of power are correct?
(A) Thermal power plants emit large quantities of carbon dioxide, which is a greenhouse gas.
(B) Hydroelectric projects inundate forests and interfere with the natural flow of water.
(C) Mini-hydel plants change the land use pattern in the areas where they are located.
(D) Photovoltaic cells are useful where supply of power through the grid proves very costly.
(E) Wind mills provide electricity at a low initial cost.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → (A), (B) and (D) only
Each power source has its own effects on the environment.
(A) Thermal power plants emit large quantities of carbon dioxide, which is a greenhouse gas. — Correct. Thermal plants burn coal and emit carbon dioxide.
(B) Hydroelectric projects inundate forests and interfere with the natural flow of water. — Correct. Big dams flood forests and change the flow of rivers.
(C) Mini-hydel plants change the land use pattern in the areas where they are located. — Incorrect. They do not change the land use pattern, which is why they are environment-friendly.
(D) Photovoltaic cells are useful where supply of power through the grid proves very costly. — Correct. They suit remote areas where grid power is costly.
(E) Wind mills provide electricity at a low initial cost. — Incorrect. The initial cost is high; the benefits absorb it.
NCERT (2026-27): “7.5 Strategies for Sustainable Development … Use of Non-conventional Sources of Energy: India, as you know, is hugely dependent on thermal and hydro power plants to meet its power needs. Both of these have adverse environmental impacts. Thermal power plants emit large quantities of carbon dioxide which is a green house gas. It also produces fly ash which, if not used properly, can cause pollution of water bodies, land and other components of the environment. Hydroelectric projects inundate forests and interfere with the natural flow of water in catchment areas and the river basins.” “… This technology is extremely useful for remote areas and for places where supply of power through grid or power lines is either not possible or proves very costly. …” “… Such power plants are more or less environment-friendly as they do not change the land use pattern in areas where they are located; …” “… No doubt, the initial cost is high. But the benefits are such that the high cost gets easily absorbed.” |