Syllabus: Environment
Source: TH
Context: The Union Environment Ministry has exempted 78% of India’s thermal power plant units from installing Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) systems meant to reduce SO₂ emissions.
About Centre’s Exemption Policy for Thermal Plants:
What is It?
- The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) issued new norms based on a scientific advisory panel led by the Principal Scientific Adviser.
- The new framework classifies power plants into three categories based on location and pollution levels.
What are the Exemptions?
- Category A (11%):
- Located within 10 km of NCR or cities with >1 million population.
- Must install FGDs by December 30, 2027.
- Category B (11%):
- Located near critically polluted areas (CPA) or non-attainment cities (NAC).
- FGD installation subject to expert review; deadline: December 2028.
- Category C (78%):
- Located outside high-risk zones.
- Completely exempt from installing FGDs.
What is Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) System?
- FGD is a pollution-control system used in coal-fired thermal plants to reduce sulphur dioxide (SO₂) emissions.
- It removes SO₂ by passing flue gases through a scrubber with limestone or chemical sorbents.
- SO₂ can otherwise form secondary PM2.5 and lead to acid rain, respiratory diseases, and ecosystem damage.
Why Are Anti-Pollution Systems Necessary?
- SO₂ → PM2.5 Formation:
- Studies show that coal combustion contributes ~15% of ambient PM2.5 in India (CEEW).
- Health Impacts:
- SO₂ is linked to asthma, heart diseases, and childhood bronchitis (WHO).
- Transboundary Pollution:
- Emissions from thermal plants travel over 200 km, affecting rural and urban areas alike.
Concerns with the Exemptions:
- Rollback of Environmental Norms: The 2015 mandate to install FGDs is effectively diluted for the majority of units.
- Unfounded Scientific Claims: Critics argue SO₂’s contribution to PM2.5 is underestimated (Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air).
- Ignored Precautionary Principle: Even if current SO₂ levels are below norms, proactive pollution control is essential as energy demand grows.
- Health Cost vs. Capital Cost: ₹2.5 lakh crore for full FGD compliance may appear high, but public health costs and productivity losses are likely far greater.
Way Ahead
- Prioritise Most Polluted Zones: Ensure immediate FGD installation in all NCR, CPA, and NAC clusters without exception.
- Incentivise Retrofit Mechanisms: Offer subsidies or green loans to ease installation burden on power plants.
- Public Health Audit: Conduct health impact assessments near major thermal clusters to guide future policy.
- Strengthen Monitoring: Mandate real-time SO₂ monitoring and public disclosure for all thermal units.
- Push for Cleaner Alternatives: Promote renewable energy adoption to reduce dependence on coal-based power.
Conclusion:
The exemption of 78% of thermal power plants from installing FGDs marks a regressive shift in India’s pollution control pathway. While cost and feasibility concerns exist, public health and environmental protection must remain central to energy governance. A balanced, science-backed and health-first policy is the need of the hour.
