India Relaxes Sulphur Dioxide Emission Control Norms Amid Scientific Concerns

An independent analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) has flagged the misuse of studies before the SO2 rollback nod. CREA alleged that studies by institutions like NEERI, NIAS, and IIT Delhi were being selectively used to justify inaction by power plants across the country. The studies were riddled with contradictions and risked undermining public health. The environment ministry has extended the SO2 compliance deadline for coal-based power plants, citing many studies as one of the reasons. CREA's report countered this reasoning, saying that the studies were being selectively used to justify inaction.

An independent analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) has flagged the misuse of studies before the SO2 emission norms rollback. CREA alleged that studies by institutions like NEERI, NIAS, and IIT Delhi were being selectively used to justify inaction by power plants across the country. The studies were riddled with contradictions and risked undermining public health. The environment ministry has extended the SO2 compliance deadline for coal-based power plants, citing many studies as one of the reasons. CREA's report countered this reasoning, saying that the studies were being selectively used to justify inaction.

The central government has further extended the deadline for coal-based thermal power plants to comply with sulphur dioxide emission norms. Plants near densely populated areas now have until December 2027, while others receive exemptions [1]. This decision follows representations citing technological limitations, economic feasibility, and studies on SO2 standards' impact [2].

CREA's report highlights that the studies were not representative and were being used to justify inaction, which could have severe public health implications. The environment ministry, however, cited these studies as one of the reasons for extending the deadline. The report suggests that the studies were selectively used to justify the inaction of power plants, which could undermine the overall air quality management efforts.

The extension of the deadline has raised concerns among environmentalists and public health advocates. They argue that the delay could exacerbate air pollution issues, especially in densely populated areas. The environment ministry, however, maintains that the extension is necessary to address technological limitations and economic feasibility.

The report also points out that the studies were not conducted in a transparent manner, and the data was not made publicly available. This lack of transparency has raised questions about the credibility of the studies and their use in policy-making.

The extension of the deadline has been criticized by environmental groups and public health advocates. They argue that the delay could exacerbate air pollution issues, especially in densely populated areas. The environment ministry, however, maintains that the extension is necessary to address technological limitations and economic feasibility.

The report suggests that the studies were selectively used to justify the inaction of power plants, which could undermine the overall air quality management efforts. The extension of the deadline has raised concerns among environmentalists and public health advocates.

References:
[1] https://www.financialexpress.com/business/banking-finance-nris-accuse-hdfc-bank-officials-of-fraud-allege-misuse-of-rs-25-30-crore-funds-to-pay-for-at-1-bonds-report-3912163/
[2] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/topic/coal-based-thermal-power-plants
[3] https://m.economictimes.com/industry/indl-goods/svs/metals-mining/centre-eases-so2-emission-norms-exempts-large-number-of-coal-plants/articleshow/122408021.cms