Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 4 — None

All three statements regarding coal-based thermal power plants in India are incorrect. Some plants use seawater for cooling (like Mundra), many are located in water-stressed districts, and a significant number are privately owned.

❌ Statement 1 – Incorrect: The Mundra Thermal Power Plant uses seawater from the Gulf of Kutch in a closed-cycle cooling system, and also employs purified seawater from reverse osmosis plants for auxiliary systems.

❌ Statement 2 – Incorrect: According to WRI research, 40% of India's thermal power plants are situated in water-stressed regions, with 14 out of 20 largest thermal utilities experiencing shutdowns between 2013-2016 due to water shortages.

❌ Statement 3 – Incorrect: Out of India's 269 thermal power plants, 138 are publicly owned while 131 are privately owned, demonstrating significant private sector participation.

📝 Short Notes: Coal-Based Thermal Power Plants in India

• Cooling Water Sources: While most plants use freshwater from rivers or reservoirs, coastal plants like Mundra (Gujarat) utilize seawater cooling systems to conserve freshwater resources.
• Water Stress Challenge: 40% of thermal plants are in water-stressed regions, leading to operational disruptions and forced shutdowns during water scarcity periods.
• Ownership Structure: Total 269 plants - 138 public sector (Central/State utilities like NTPC, State Gencos) and 131 private sector (Adani Power, Tata Power, Reliance Power, etc.).
• Capacity Distribution: Thermal power contributes approximately 50-55% of India's total installed electricity generation capacity.
• Environmental Concerns: High water consumption (3-5 liters per kWh), thermal pollution, and emissions make water management critical for sustainability.