A recent study by the Centre for Science and Environment reveals alarming non-compliance with emission control regulations in 11 Delhi-NCR thermal power plants, contributing significantly to air pollution
A recent investigation by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) sheds light on the exacerbation of air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region, attributing the issue to the non-compliance of coal-based thermal power plants with emission control regulations. The study, spanning from April 2022 to August 2023, analysed the ecological reports of the 11 thermal power plants in the area, highlighting concerning findings.
According to Anumita Roychowdhury, the Executive Director of Research and Advocacy at CSE, these thermal power plants collectively contribute nearly 8 percent of particulate matter (PM) to Delhi-NCR air. The persistent high pollution levels emanating from these sources thwart the region's ability to achieve clean air standards, jeopardising public health.
The study delves into particulate matter, nitrogen oxide, and sulphur dioxide emissions from thermal power plants. It reveals that out of the 11 plants, only two in the NCR have implemented sulphur dioxide (SO2) control measures, and merely one meets the SO2 emission standards. The report indicates a crucial lapse in meeting the emission norms the Union Environment Ministry set.
Despite the Ministry's initial stringent standards established in December 2015, subsequent relaxations and deadline extensions have been granted. While power plants outside Delhi-NCR received a five-year extension, those in the region were given until 2019 due to the severe pollution levels. Unfortunately, most NCR plants, excluding Dadri TPP and Mahatma Gandhi TPP, failed to meet the revised deadline, necessitating another extension in March 2021.
The CSE report further notes that the Ministry classified all power plants A, B, and C based on criteria defined by the Central Pollution Control Board. The new deadlines for meeting SO2 emission norms are December 31, 2024, for Category A plants, December 31, 2025, for Category B plants, and December 31, 2026, for Category C plants.
Anumita Roychowdhury emphasises the need for solid compliance mechanisms, incentives, and one-time support to accelerate the implementation of emission control measures rather than further deadline extensions.
The key findings of the CSE report highlight alarming levels of suspended particulate matter released by three power plants in the NCR area. Additionally, certain plants in Haryana and Punjab exceeded nitrogen oxide norms, while Mahatma Gandhi TPP is the sole power plant within the prescribed sulphur dioxide limits. Despite Dadri TPP having sulphur dioxide control equipment, high readings were reported during the study.
Sulphur dioxide emissions, a significant contributor to particulate matter, were reported up to three times over the prescribed limits in all NCR coal power plants. DD Basu, former director of the Central Pollution Control Board, underscores the importance of controlling sulphur dioxide emissions to maintain particulate matter emissions.
Nivit Yadav, Programme Director, Industrial Pollution, CSE, warns that despite compliance with the 2015 notification's extended deadlines, the high emissions of PM, nitrogen oxide, and sulphur dioxide will exacerbate pollution in the NCR.
In the face of this concerning revelation, monitoring agencies report persistent 'inferior' air quality in Delhi, even amid meteorological changes. However, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai expresses optimism, anticipating air quality improvement in the next two days due to increased wind speed and the possibility of rain.