Chandrapura

The Chandrapura Thermal Power Station has an installed power generation capacity of 920 MW. However, out of 920 MW, only 890 MW is operational. The power station consists of 5 units – 3 units of 140MW each, constructed by General Electric (GE) and remaining 2 units of 250 MW each, constructed by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL). The two new units were installed recently as a part of the expansion program of DVC's Power Project. BHEL had been contracted for the construction and installation of the new units. The units have been installed and have commenced production from late 2011.

The power station had the pride of being largest pulverized fuel fire power station of Asia and Unit Number I was the first reheat unit installed in India with highest steam parameters. Electrical switchyard of CTPS is a pride of DVC, being India’s biggest network. Also, the chimney of newly constructed thermal power unit holds the distinction of having highest standing tower in India and 4th highest in Asia within its township area. The power plant also provides employment to a lot of people in the surrounding regions.

The power plant was a major source of pollution for the adjoining areas owing to the coal-based generators, but things changed after electrostatic precipitators were installed in the chimneys, and large-scale afforestation was carried out, which lowered the pollution levels significantly.

According to the 2011 Census of India, Chandrapura had a total population of 27,425, of which 14,428 (52%) were males and 12,997 (47%) were females. Population in the age range 0-6 years was 3,364. The total number of literate persons in Chandrapura was 19,726 (81.98% of the population over 6 years).[5]

As of the 2001 India census,[6] Chandrapura had a population of 22,389. Males constitute 54% of the population and females 46%. Chandrapura had an average literacy rate of 71%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with male literacy of 78% and female literacy of 62%. 13% of the population was under 6 years of age.

Chandrapura Railway Station

According to the District Census Handbook 2011, Bokaro, Chandrapura covered an area of 7.6 km². Among the civic amenities, it had 11 km roads with both open and closed drains, the protected water supply involved tapwater from treated sources, hand pumps, service reservoir. It had 5,112 domestic electric connections, 90 road lighting points. Among the medical facilities, it had 5 hospitals, 4 dispensaries, 4 health centres, 9 family welfare centres, 1 maternity and child welfare centres, 1 maternity homes, 1 nursing home, 12 medicine shops. Among the educational facilities it had 4 primary schools, 2 middle school, 2 secondary school, 3 secondary school, 1 general degree college. It had 1 non-formal educational centre (Sarva Siksha Abhiyan). Among the social, recreational and cultural facilities it had 1 stadium, 1 cinema theatre, 4 auditorium/ community halls, 1 public library, 1 reading room. An important commodity it produced was electricity. It had the branch offices of 1 nationalised bank, 1 non-agricultural credit society.[7]

Educational institutions in the area include the De Nobili School, Chandrapura, which is affiliated to the I.C.S.E. The Kendriya Vidyalaya, (affiliated to the C.B.S.E) and two separate schools funded by the D.V.C (D.V.C. Middle School and the D.V.C. High School, for middle school and high school students respectively) are also in the area. Schools and coaching centres in the neighbouring cities of Dugda, Bhandaridah and Bokaro Steel City also serve the purpose of providing education to students. The Blossom School also provides primary education. The D.V.C. Inter College - a government college funded by D.V.C., provides higher education.