Biodiversity Conservation

At NTPC, we recognize that sustainable growth and environmental protection go hand in hand. We believe that achieving our economic goals must be rooted in ecological responsibility, striving to give back more to nature than we take. Our commitment to biodiversity conservation is guided by the NTPC Biodiversity Policy, which focuses on conservation, restoration, and ecological enhancement. As an active participant in the Indian Business and Biodiversity Initiative, we take pride in our environmental stewardship, demonstrating a strong commitment to protecting and preserving the planet’s biodiversity.

Carbon Offset Projects (Under Regulatory & Compliance Market)

NTPC is a pioneer in addressing climate change and actively leveraging carbon offsets through various initiatives. We have launched multiple Carbon Credit Projects in the power sector.

NTPC is also implementing Carbon Capture & Utilization projects at NTPC Vindhyachal & NGEL Pudimadka. Additionally, multiple green Hydrogen projects have been undertaken, aligning with activities under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement.

Additionally, NTPC and its subsidiaries have submitted a Prior Consideration notification under Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement for multiple projects. These submissions have been made to the UNFCCC Secretariat and MoEF&CC to advance NTPC’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions.

Our Biodiversity Strategy

 We are implementing following activities across NTPC units :

• Mapping of Biodiversity Interfaces including Assessment of biodiversity risks and opportunities;
• Preparation and Implementation of Biodiversity Conservation/ Management Plan for Protected Areas/ Areas of High Bio-Diversity Values including issues related to Man Animal conflicts (if applicable);
• Enrichment of greenbelt for Biodiversity;
• Enhancing Awareness and Capacity Building on biodiversity (Workshops & Training Programmes, Internal & External Seminars, Leaflets, Pamphlets, Posters, Video Clips, Quizzes and competitions, Campaigns and Awards etc.);
• Considering the impacts of business decisions on biodiversity and inclusion of the applicable biodiversity aspects in the environment management systems;Settingobjectives and targets for biodiversity management;
• Implementation of Monitoring and Reporting System;
• Engaging in policy advocacy and dialogue with local communities, organisations, regulatory agencies and research institutes of national/ international repute, government, NGOs and academia;
• Designating individuals within the organization as biodiversity champion;
• Participation in International and National Conferences/ Workshops/ Seminars/ Symposium on Biodiversity Conservation & Management.

NTPC has ensured that none of its thermal project sites are located within protected areas or near the areas of high biodiversity outside the protected areas, thereby avoiding any potential impact on IUCN Red List species or national conservation list species. We actively engage in multiple biodiversity conservation projects, as outlined in the table below:

All thermal power plants developed by NTPC were strategically located beyond eco sensitive zones, including protected areas and regions with significant biodiversity,ensuring minimal environmental impact, and safeguarding critical habitats.

However, in the case of the following power projects, wildlife sanctuaries were declared after the project was accorded Environmental Clearance (EC) or constructed:

• Kahalgaon Super Thermal Power Station, located in Bhagalpur (Bihar)- the stretch of Ganga river adjacent to plant was declared as Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary. However, the plant is situated outside the sanctuary and its eco-sensitive zone, except for the water intake structure.
• Feroz Gandhi Unchahar Thermal Power Station in Rae Bareli, Uttar Pradesh-Samaspur Bird Sanctuary was established Nearby after plant construction. However, all its components are situated outside the sanctuary and its eco- sensitive zone.
• Bongaigaon Thermal Power Station, situated in Kokrajhar (Assam), is located outside the Chakrasila Wildlife Sanctuary. However, due to the recent declaration of the sanctuary’s eco- sensitive zone by the State Government in 2021, certain portions of the project now fall within the eco-sensitive area. The Wildlife clearance for these areas is currently being processed.
• Koldam HEPP- The submergence area overlaps with a portion of the Majathal Wildlife Sanctuary, specifically affecting the habitat of the vulnerable Cheer Pheasant (Catreus wallichii) listed on the IUCN Red List. This submergence area accounts for approximately 4% of the total area of the sanctuary, amounting to 124.054 Ha. All necessary approvals from the State Forest Department and the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) have been successfully acquired for the project .

The establishment and functioning of power plants and related infrastructure do not have any discernible effects, whether direct or indirect, on biodiversity.

Supporting Wildlife Conservation Through Spotted Deer Adoption

NTPC Farakka has taken a significant step towards wildlife conservation and biodiversity preservation by adopting 93 spotted deer (Cheetal) from the Adina Deer Park in Malda, West Bengal. This initiative demonstrates NTPC’s proactive role in contributing to ecological balance and supporting local conservation efforts.

To ensure the well-being of the adopted deer, NTPC Farakka is providing annual financial assistance covering the costs of food, medical care, and overall upkeep. These efforts are geared towards ensuring that the deer population continues to thrive in their protected habitat.

Further strengthening its environmental stewardship, NTPC Farakka is also preparing to renovate the park’s water reservoir, which will support not just the deer but also other species, including nilgai, thereby enhancing the overall health of the park’s ecosystem.

Through this initiative, NTPC Farakka has reinforced its commitment to biodiversity and community-based conservation, setting an example for sustainable corporate action in wildlife protection.

NTPC Farakka’s Contribution To Fish Conservation In The Ganga River

NTPC Farakka has partnered with the ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI) to actively support fish conservation and biodiversity enhancement in the Ganga River. Through this collaboration, NTPC is playing a critical role in the preservation of native fish species and the promotion of sustainable river ecosystems.

Under this initiative, NTPC Farakka has supported the establishment of a portable FRP Carp Hatchery at Farakka, enabling the breeding and restocking of Indian Major Carps (IMC). This facility not only contributes to fish conservation but also provides training and livelihood opportunities for local communities.

In addition, NTPC Farakka has facilitated fish ranching programs, Hilsa tagging, and dolphin conservation awareness activities as part of broader efforts to improve riverine sustainability. The ranching of Indian Major Carps and related ecological interventions are contributing to the restoration of fish populations and the overall health of the Ganga’s aquatic biodiversity.

This project, implemented in alignment with the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), showcases NTPC Farakka’s commitment to protecting native species, enhancing ecological balance, and supporting community-led conservation.

Through this ongoing partnership with ICAR-CIFRI, NTPC Farakka is setting an example of how responsible corporate action can directly contribute to river conservation and sustainable fisheries management.

Moreover, NTPC collaborates with State Forest Departments on sustainable projects such as the Compensatory Afforestation Plan and Catchment Area Treatment Plan, focusing on restoring and enhancing wildlife habitats. These initiatives reflect NTPC’s strong commitment to biodiversity conservation and ecological balance. Additionally, NTPC has made substantial investments in sustainability initiatives, reinforcing its dedication to environmental and social responsibility. As part of its holistic approach to preserving the natural environment, NTPC has also undertaken various activities for habitat protection at multiple sites.

1. Wildlife conservation and monitoring plan for the protection of Great Indian Bustard (GIB) at Maldhok Sanctuary Solapur, Maharashtra.
2. Wildlife Conservation Plan for Lara STPP for Conservation of Sloth Bear for MGR Rail Corridor (35.413ha) from Otarliya to NTPC Lara.
3. Mapping of Biodiversity Interfaces, Including Assessment & Inventorisation of Biodiversity at Vindhayachal Super Thermal Power Station, is completed.
4. Wildlife Conservation Plan for Dulanga Coal Mine Project, Sundargargh, Odisha, is being implemented with Odisha State Forest Department.
5. Studies on Dolphin Biodiversity monitoring in Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary for preparation of conservation plan.
6. The Wildlife Conservation Plan for the conservation of Black Buck at Meja STPP has been prepared in consultation with the UP State Forest Department and implemented.
7. Conservation of Olive Ridley Sea Turtles along the coast of Andhra Pradesh in collaboration with AP Forest Department is being done. NTPC Simhadri has signed a five-year agreement with the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department to partner in conservation efforts in the nine coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh, covering 732 km out of the total 972 km of Andhra Pradesh’s coastline.

Biodiversity of Offset Habitats

Since NTPC’s thermal project sites are not situated within protected areas, no offset habitats were developed, making any comparison inapplicable. However, the hydropower project at Koldam involved the creation of an offset habitat through collaboration with the State Forest Department.

Green Credit Program

NTPC is participating in the Green Credit Program (GCP) of MoEF&CC, for afforestation on 25 land parcels of degraded forest land, totaling an area of 426.20 Ha in the states of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh.

All NTPC stations are certified for ISO 14001 which are being renewed regularly. They also have dedicated environmental cells. Regular inspections, audits, and compliance assessments of the Environment Management Systems are conducted by regulatory agencies, NGOs, and ISO certification bodies, both internally and externally. NTPC ensures full adherence to environmental laws and regulations mandated by statutory agencies, showcasing its unwavering commitment to achieving 100% compliance.

The company promptly responds to directives from regulators by implementing feasible engineering solutions within specified timelines. To meet stringent environmental standards, NTPC undertakes renovation and modernization (R&M) of pollution control technologies in older operating units, ensuring compliance with all legal requirements through R&M activities.