Centre’s Exemption Policy for Thermal Plants:
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
