With reference to coal-based thermal power plants in India, consider the following statements : 1. None of them uses seawater. 2. None of them is set up in water-stressed district. 3. None of them is privately owned. How many of the above statements are correct?

Option (d) is correct because all three statements are factually false: India utilizes seawater in coastal plants (e.g., Mundra), operates many plants in water-stressed regions like Vidarbha, and has significant private sector ownership (e.g., Adani and Tata Power). Option (a) is the most tempting wrong choice as candidates often assume that "water-stressed" districts are strictly avoided due to environmental norms, whereas in reality, proximity to coal mines often overrides water availability concerns. The core concept tested is the geographical distribution, resource utilization, and ownership landscape of India’s thermal energy infrastructure.