Archive · 5 Jun 2025
India May Ease Rules for Power Plants' Pollution Equipment
A government committee suggested India might not need to force all coal power plants to install special filters (FGD units) to clean up sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions.
They found that air quality is already good, and these filters could make things worse by increasing carbon dioxide emissions.
The committee recommended that only plants near big cities use these filters.
This decision is under review by the Environment Ministry, but the committee believes it won't affect public health because air quality standards will still be met.
A committee recommends relaxing the mandate for installing FGD units in coal-fired power plants in India.
The recommendation suggests that FGDs may not be necessary for all plants to meet air quality standards.
The committee found that ambient SO2 levels are within acceptable limits across the country.
Installing FGDs might increase carbon dioxide emissions and not significantly improve air quality.
The Environment Ministry is reviewing the recommendation, which impacts deadlines for power plants.
- Who
- A committee chaired by Principal Scientific Advisor Ajay Sood, with representatives from government bodies.
- What
- A committee recommended relaxing the mandate for installing FGD units in coal-fired power plants.
- When
- The recommendation was made public in June 2025.
- Where
- India
- Why
- The committee found FGDs may not be necessary to meet air quality standards and could increase carbon emissions.
Committee Findings
Power and Environment Ministries
Necessity of FGD Units
Committee Findings
Installing FGDs in all power plants may not be necessary.
Power and Environment Ministries
FGDs are needed to reduce SO2 emissions and protect public health.
Environmental Impact
Committee Findings
FGDs could increase carbon emissions due to increased power consumption.
Power and Environment Ministries
FGDs are essential for reducing harmful emissions.
- Ambient Air SO2 Levels
- Around 10-20 micrograms/cubic metre
- Total Coal Power Plants in India
- 600
- Percentage of Plants without FGD Units
- 92%
- Category A Plants (near major cities)
- 66
- Category A Plants with FGDs
- 14
- India’s Emission Standards
- 100 micrograms/m3