Why in news?
In July 2025, the Environment Ministry exempted nearly three‑quarters of India’s coal‑powered thermal plants from installing flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) units meant to cut sulphur dioxide emissions. The decision sparked debate about health, pollution control and climate commitments.
Background
- Coal‑fired power plants emit sulphur dioxide (SO₂), a pollutant that contributes to acid rain and forms fine particulate matter (PM2.5), aggravating asthma, heart disease and premature death.
- In 2015 the government mandated installation of FGDs to reduce SO₂ emissions. However, implementation lagged due to cost concerns.
- By 2025, India had around 600 thermal power plant units. The new policy classifies them into three categories based on location and pollution risk.
Key provisions of the new policy
- Category A (about 11% of units): Plants within 10 km of the National Capital Region or cities with more than one million people must install FGDs by 30 December 2027.
- Category B (about 11% of units): Plants near critically polluted areas or non‑attainment cities require expert review. If required, FGDs must be installed by December 2028.
- Category C (about 78% of units): Plants outside high‑risk zones are exempt from installing FGDs altogether.
Arguments supporting the exemptions
- The government notes that ambient SO₂ levels have been declining and most Indian coal contains relatively low sulphur.
- Studies showed little difference in SO₂ concentrations between cities with FGD‑fitted plants and those without.
- Installing FGDs on all units would cost an estimated ₹2.5 lakh crore, which plant operators argue is unaffordable.
Concerns and criticisms
- Health impacts: SO₂ is a precursor to PM2.5, and chronic exposure is linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Critics argue that exemptions ignore these costs.
- Polluter pays principle: Environmentalists contend that exempting most units shifts the pollution burden onto the public.
- Undermining clean air goals: India’s National Clean Air Programme aims to reduce particulate pollution. Diluting FGD norms may slow progress.
- Trans‑boundary pollution: Emissions from coal plants can travel hundreds of kilometres and affect rural areas, not just industrial zones.
Way forward
- Health‑cost accounting: Incorporate medical expenses and productivity losses into cost‑benefit analyses for pollution control.
- Accelerate renewables: Shift toward solar, wind and biomass power to reduce dependence on coal.
- Uniform emission norms: Apply pollution control mandates irrespective of administrative categories, as pollution does not respect boundaries.
- Develop domestic FGD capacity: Encourage manufacture of FGDs under the Make‑in‑India programme to bring down costs.
- Real‑time monitoring: Require all plants to share continuous emission data with the public to increase transparency and compliance.
Conclusion
Balancing affordable electricity with clean air is challenging. While the exemption policy may reduce costs for power producers in the short term, India must ensure that public health and environmental sustainability remain at the centre of energy governance.