Coal accounts for 41 per cent of the world’s electricity generation. At approximately 210 gig watt (GW), India is the fifth largest producer of electricity in the world, of which 66 per cent comes from coal. Based on a report by Urban Emissions, a think tank, in partnership with the Conservation Action Trust and Greenpeace India for the operational period of 2011-12. About 80,000 to 115,000 premature deaths and more than 20 million asthma cases from exposure to total PM10 (particulate matter of 10 micron diameter or less) pollution have been reported. Coal power plants are a major source of PM10 (particulate matter of 10 micron diameter or less).
