CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
India has recently postponed the mandatory installation of flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) systems in coal-based thermal power plants, further easing sulphur dioxide (SO2) emission norms. The decision has sparked widespread concern among environmental researchers, who caution against the public health and ecological risks associated with delayed action. Despite regulations introduced in 2015, a significant number of plants remain non-compliant nearly a decade later.
Stricter SO2 Norms Set In 2015
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) introduced SO2 emission limits in 2015, requiring power plants to install FGDs within two years. These units are critical to curb SO2, a major pollutant that transforms into PM2.5 fine particles linked to serious respiratory and heart-related illnesses. However, compliance has been slow, with over 90% of coal-fired plants still lacking FGDs.
Revised Deadlines And Exemptions
Under the latest notification, the deadline for FGD installation has been pushed to December 2027 for power plants near heavily polluted regions, including metropolitan areas and the National Capital Region (NCR). In contrast, plants located in less polluted zones can now forgo FGDs if they meet specific stack height standards. The Ministry cited logistical challenges, the COVID-19 pandemic, and expert recommendations as reasons for the extension.
Disputes Over Scientific Justification
Environmental think tanks, such as the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), have questioned the scientific rationale behind the policy shift. They argue that studies conducted by institutions like NEERI, NIAS, and IIT Delhi are being selectively interpreted. CREA stresses that ambient air readings of SO2 do not represent actual emissions, which are more accurately assessed through stack-based monitoring. Relying on ambient measurements to justify FGD exemption, they argue, is methodologically flawed.
Effectiveness Of FGDs In Pollution Control
Research demonstrates that FGDs can significantly lower PM2.5 levels around coal plants. Studies by IIT Delhi show that the use of FGDs can reduce sulfate aerosol concentrations up to 200 kilometers from the emission source. Despite these findings, some recent reports advocate for discontinuing FGD deployment, focusing on limited regional data and overlooking long-range pollution impacts.
Public Health And Climate Considerations
Coal power plants have been linked to tens of thousands of early deaths annually in India. With plans to add 80–100 GW of new coal capacity, the risks to human health and the environment are expected to grow. While FGDs contribute marginally to carbon dioxide emissions, this increase is negligible compared to the emissions from building and running new coal plants. Continued delays in FGD implementation could severely impact air quality and worsen public health outcomes.
Operational Feasibility And Economic Factors
Arguments that FGD installation causes extended outages are contradicted by real-world evidence. State-run NTPC, for instance, installed FGDs across several plants during routine maintenance, avoiding additional downtimes. NTPC has operational FGDs covering 20 GW and is in the process of expanding this to 47 GW. The economic concerns cited by some policymakers do not align with data showing scalable and cost-effective deployment.
Broader Environmental Impact
Emissions from coal-fired power plants contribute significantly to India’s PM2.5 levels, especially during winter months and in urban areas. These pollutants travel across regional boundaries, affecting air quality far beyond the immediate vicinity of the plants. Their impact is comparable to vehicular emissions, which have already been subjected to stringent regulations. Installing FGDs is essential for mitigating long-range air pollution and safeguarding national health standards.
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