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Utilities
In a significant move to tackle the persisting pollution crisis in the National Capital Region (NCR), the Supreme Court of India has asked the central government to reconsider its stance on extending the deadline for power plants to adhere to strict emission standards. The court, concerned about the repeated extensions and their impact on Delhi's air quality, is seeking responses from both the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the thermal power plants that have yet to comply.
Delhi and its surrounding areas have long struggled with severe air pollution, with thermal power plants contributing a notable portion to the overall pollution levels. Despite regulations being in place since 2015, the implementation of emission controls has faced significant delays. The Supreme Court's latest intervention highlights the urgent need to expedite these measures, ensuring that power plants install necessary technologies like Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) to reduce harmful emissions, particularly sulphur dioxide (SO2).
Thermal power plants in India are categorized into three types based on their proximity to densely populated and critically polluted areas:
The Supreme Court has questioned whether the classification can be revised to ensure faster compliance, especially for Category C plants. Amicus Curiae Aparajita Singh emphasized that thermal power plants account for about 8% of the pollution in NCR, a significant concern given the repeated deadline extensions.
During recent hearings, the bench led by Justice AS Oka expressed dissatisfaction with the ongoing delays. The Court noted that only three out of eleven coal-based thermal power plants in the Delhi-NCR region were compliant with pollution norms, despite regulations being in place for years. The Court directed the environment ministry to provide a response on the feasibility of advancing the compliance deadline for Category C plants and reclassifying them to ensure quicker action[1][3][4].
The main challenge in expediting compliance is the time required to install emission control technologies. Installing FGD units alone can take up to 36 months. Private power plants have cited this as a reason for not complying sooner, while government-run plants have generally been more proactive in meeting the deadlines[4].
Amicus Curiae Aparajita Singh highlighted that private power plants are responsible for most of the non-compliance, whereas government-run facilities have largely followed the regulations. The Court's push for stricter oversight aims to bring private players in line with government standards[4].
The pollution crisis in Delhi-NCR is multifaceted, involving not just power plants but also vehicle emissions, solid waste management, and other industrial activities. The Supreme Court has also focused on these areas to improve overall air quality.
In addition to addressing power plant emissions, the Court has been involved in ensuring better solid waste management practices and providing relief to construction workers affected by pollution control measures. The implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which restricts construction during peak pollution periods, has led to financial hardships for many workers. The Court is seeking clarity on compensation for these workers and ensuring their livelihoods are not unduly disrupted[4].
The Supreme Court's efforts to curtail pollution in NCR by advancing emission standards for power plants are critical steps toward improving air quality. However, achieving these goals will require coordinated action from both government agencies and private operators. As India continues to grapple with environmental challenges, legal interventions like this underscore the necessity of balancing energy needs with environmental responsibilities.
By incorporating high-search-volume keywords such as "emission standards," "NCR power plants," "Supreme Court directive," "pollution in Delhi," and "thermal power plants," this article aims to maximize visibility on search engines while providing an informative and engaging narrative about the current environmental challenges and legal responses in India.
