Delhi NCR: A fresh assessment of coal-based power generation around the National Capital Region has raised concerns over the region’s future air quality, indicating that a large share of sulphur dioxide emissions is originating from thermal power stations that are no longer obligated to install advanced pollution control equipment.
The findings arrive as electricity demand is projected to increase, potentially placing additional pressure on urban air quality and public health. The assessment examined coal-fired power plants located within roughly 300 kilometres of Delhi-NCR and found that most estimated sulphur dioxide emissions in the region are linked to generating units exempted from installing flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) systems under revised national emission norms introduced last year. FGDs are widely recognised as one of the most effective technologies for reducing sulphur dioxide released during coal combustion. Urban environmental experts note that the issue extends far beyond the boundaries of individual power stations. Sulphur dioxide can remain in the atmosphere before transforming into fine particulate matter (PM2.5), a pollutant strongly associated with respiratory illness, cardiovascular disease and declining urban air quality. Because these pollutants travel over long distances, emissions from plants outside city limits can still significantly influence pollution levels across the Delhi metropolitan region.
The review also highlights the implications of changes made to India’s coal plant emission framework. Earlier regulations required pollution control systems across the thermal power sector, but subsequent revisions narrowed mandatory compliance primarily to plants located near densely populated or critically polluted areas, while a majority of facilities received exemptions or case-specific treatment. Environmental planners argue that this location-based approach may underestimate the regional nature of air pollution. Atmospheric transport allows sulphur compounds to disperse across state boundaries before forming secondary particulate pollution, making emissions from distant power stations relevant to urban centres already struggling with poor air quality. The analysis further indicates a sharp contrast between facilities operating with emission control systems and those without them. Thermal stations equipped with FGDs recorded substantially lower sulphur dioxide emissions despite comparable electricity generation, while plants lacking the technology contributed disproportionately higher pollution loads.
The findings suggest that emission control infrastructure can play a significant role in reducing pollution without directly affecting power output. The issue gains additional significance as forecasts point towards higher dependence on coal-fired electricity during periods of reduced hydropower generation and rising cooling demand. Greater coal consumption without corresponding emission controls could intensify pollution episodes across northern India’s rapidly expanding urban corridor, where millions already experience prolonged exposure to unhealthy air. Urban policy specialists say improving transparency through publicly accessible emissions data, monitoring pollution control systems in real time and reassessing compliance requirements could strengthen environmental governance. As Delhi-NCR continues balancing energy security with rapid economic growth, the effectiveness of industrial emission standards is expected to remain central to discussions on cleaner infrastructure, healthier cities and long-term climate resilience.
