Smoke and sulphur, Pg6

Key Highlights:

• Environment Ministry exempts majority of coal plants from installing FGDs.
• Only 8% of units have installed FGDs, mostly by NTPC, despite 2017 deadline.
• SO₂ contributes to particulate matter pollution through formation of sulphates.
• Reasons cited include low sulphur content in Indian coal, high costs, limited vendors, and COVID-19 delays.
• Only plants in pollution hotspots, NCR, or cities with over 1 million population must install FGDs by 2028.
• Expert committee claims no significant SO₂ difference between plants with and without FGDs.
• Revised policy introduces non-uniform environmental standards across regions.

Detailed Insights:

• FGDs were mandated in 2015 to curb SO₂ emissions and reduce air pollution from thermal power plants.
• Policy reversal is based on scientific consultations claiming sulphates from SO₂ suppress global warming.
• Experts argue Indian coal produces lower SO₂ and current levels are within CPCB limits.
• Justification includes that sulphates offer short-term cooling benefits against global warming.
• IPCC acknowledges cooling effect but warns of health and environmental risks.
• New policy bases FGD installation on location rather than emissions, creating regulatory inconsistency.
• Decision may erode India’s public health safeguards and environmental policy credibility.

Scientific/Technical Concepts Involved:

• Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD): Technology to remove sulphur dioxide (SO₂) from emissions in thermal power plants.
• Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂): A harmful air pollutant that causes respiratory issues and contributes to PM2.5 pollution via sulphates.
• Sulfates’ Cooling Effect: Atmospheric particles formed from SO₂ that reflect solar radiation, offering temporary cooling but causing serious health hazards.