Heavy water (D2O) production in India: which of the following sites is NOT a location of a heavy water plant?

Introduction / Context:
Heavy water (D2O) is an essential moderator and coolant in certain reactor types (e.g., PHWRs). India established heavy water plants at multiple industrial hubs to ensure supply. Being able to identify authentic sites is a frequent exam theme in energy engineering and GK sections.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Options list Indian industrial locations; several are known heavy water plant sites.
• We must select the location that is not associated with a heavy water plant.
• No numerical work is required.

Concept / Approach:
India has historically operated heavy water plants at places such as Kota (Rajasthan), Tuticorin (Tamil Nadu), Talcher (Odisha), Manuguru (Telangana), Thal (Maharashtra), and Vadodara (Gujarat). Among the options given, Ramagundam is known for major power and fertilizer installations but is not the site of a heavy water plant—the heavy water facility in that region is at Manuguru, not Ramagundam. Therefore, the correct choice is Ramagundam.

Step-by-Step Solution:
List known heavy water plant sites.Cross-check each option with the known list.Identify Ramagundam as not hosting a heavy water plant.

Verification / Alternative check:
Energy-industry directories and Indian nuclear fuel cycle summaries consistently list the above heavy water plant locations; Ramagundam does not appear as such.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Talcher: Recognized heavy water plant site.Tuticorin: Recognized heavy water plant site.Kota: Recognized heavy water plant site.Vadodara: Recognized heavy water plant site (also called Baroda).

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing regional industrial names (e.g., Manuguru vs nearby towns). Always match the exact plant location used in official references.

Final Answer:
Ramagundam