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 and remaining 2 units of 250 MW each, constructed by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited. 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.
Geography
Chandrapura is roughly situated near the East-Central part of Jharkhand at and has an average elevation of 222 m. The town is surrounded by a group of hillocks on the North-West, West and the South. On the North, it is surrounded by the small adjoining villages of Ghatiyari, Pipradih, Narra and Taranari. The town is well connected by road and rail. Chandrapura railway station, being one of the biggest railway intersections in the nation, has five routes which provide efficient transportation all throughout India.
Police station
Chandrapura police station is located at Chandrapura.
CD Block HQ
The headquarters of Chandrapura CD Block are located at Chandrapura.
Demographics
As per 2011 Census of India Chandrapura had a population of 27,425, of which 14,428 were males and 12,997 females. Scheduled Castes numbered 2,908 and Scheduled Tribes numbered 1,990. As of the 2001 India census, 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. The thermal power plant of Damodar Valley Corporation is the main source of employment in the town. This serves as pool of well educated people hence attributing to the higher literacy rate here.
Literacy
As per 2011 census the total number of literates in Chandrapura was 19,726 out of which 11,219 were males and 8,507 were females.
Shopping and recreation
Chandrapura has a market place at Nimiya More, with outlets varying from sports to grocery, and bakery to fancy clothing. Recently, several new shops have been set up pertaining to the increasing population due to the installation of new units, hence driving in more employees and residents. There are also a few other small markets in other areas of the town, and the weekly market, which takes place every week on Sundays. The town, however, lacks any multiplexes or shopping malls. Chandrapura has a number of recreational clubs such as the Sahitya Parishad, Urdu Majlis and Officers' Club in D-type locality, Yuva Rang Manch, near the D.V.C. Main Hospital and also the Baisakhi Club – a hangout for the Bengali-speaking population of the town – near the post office. The local cultural centre, known as the Welfare Centre, hosts social and cultural activities throughout the year. The town also has a small stadium, maintained by the D.V.C., where sports activities and parades take place. The town previously had a movie theater. However, it was shut down recently due to lack of funds and a general disinterest among the local residents towards the theater. Chandrapura has a number of protected forest regions, owing to various environmental programs undertaken by the D.V.C. These places serve as recreational areas. The Deer Park, a sanctuary for deer, protected and maintained by the local forest office, is located in the town. Also, the hills surrounding the town are wildlife and recreation spots.
Culture
Chandrapura has a varied cultural diversity, owing to the various linguistic and cultural groups. Different festivals like Durga Puja, Diwali, Holi, Chhath Puja, Rath Yatra, Eid, as well as some native festivals like Sarhul are celebrated here. There are a number of temples located throughout the town. The town also has a Mosque, a Church and a Gurudwara.
Education
Educational institutions in the area include the De Nobili School, Chandrapura, which is affiliated to the I.C.S.E. The Kendriya Vidyalaya, and two separate schools funded by the D.V.C 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.
