India’s top policy think tank has proposed a halt to the installation of equipment to reduce sulphur emissions at coal-fired power plants, sparking a debate over India’s commitment to cleaning up its dirty air.
It is reported that India’s air pollution levels are among the highest in the world. This poses a huge threat to India’s health and economy.
The government has reportedly ordered coal-fired power plants to comply with stricter emissions regulations or face closure and set an early 2017 deadline to install flue gas desulfurization that has been extended to 2026.
A document seen by Reuters revealed that the NITI Aayog has recommended to the environment ministry and power ministry to direct coal-based power plants to stop placing orders for coal desulfurization equipment.
The document also revealed that if the proposal is realized, it could halt a 960 billion rupee ($11.42 billion) tender for sulfur reduction equipment for 80,000 megawatts of coal-fired power plants.
Environmental activists strongly support emission reduction rules for coal-fired power plants. They also say that these plants account for about 80% of industrial emissions of sulfur and nitrogen oxides that cause lung diseases and acid rain.
The NITI Aayog document cites a government study that says data does not show that SO2 (sulfur-dioxide) emissions from India’s coal-fired power plants adversely affect air quality.
The report contradicts the findings of a number of studies conducted by global organizations and campaign groups.
According to a 2019 report by Greenpeace, India is the world’s largest emitter of sulfur dioxide (SO2), with most of it coming from coal-fired power plants.
Niti Aayog, the ministry of energy and environment did not immediately reply to a request for comment.
($1 = 84.0675 Indian rupees)
