India Exempts 78 Percent Coal Plants From Installing Pollution-Control Systems Amid Criticism
In a controversial policy shift, the Environment Ministry has exempted 78% of India’s coal-based thermal power plants from installing flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) systems, raising red flags among environmental experts. The move, formalised in a recent gazette notification, applies to Category C plants located away from urban or polluted zones. Only plants near major cities or critically polluted areas remain obligated to comply, prompting warnings about long-term air quality degradation and public health consequences across India.
Out of roughly 600 coal-fired power plant units across India, only 11%—designated as Category A—are now required to install FGDs. These units are located within 10 km of the National Capital Region or cities with populations exceeding one million. They have until December 2027 to comply. Another 11%, labelled Category B and located in non-attainment cities or critically polluted areas, may be required to install FGDs subject to evaluation by the Expert Appraisal Committee. Their deadline, if applicable, extends to December 2028. This major exemption aligns precisely with recommendations submitted by a high-level committee chaired by the Principal Scientific Adviser earlier this year. The decision cites Indian coal’s low sulphur content, relatively low ambient SO2 levels across the country, and limited visual difference in PM concentrations between plants with and without FGDs as justification. However, critics have challenged these assumptions.
Experts argue that ambient SO2 levels are not the sole indicator of pollution risk. Kartik Ganesan from the Council on Energy, Environment and Water stated that nearly 15% of India’s PM2.5 pollution is coal-related. He called the decision “short-sighted” and not grounded in current understanding of particulate formation from coal combustion. Manoj Kumar of the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air noted that power plant emissions can affect air quality hundreds of kilometres away. “High chimneys don’t eliminate pollution—they merely shift it into the upper atmosphere, where SO2 forms harmful particles,” he said, warning of increased health risks for millions.
The Ministry’s decision follows years of industry pressure, with the Power Ministry often citing high FGD installation costs, limited domestic vendors, and possible electricity price hikes. Despite repeated deadlines since 2017, compliance remains abysmally low—only 8% of units have operational FGD systems. While the move could ease financial and operational pressures on power generators, environmentalists warn that India risks compromising public health and global commitments to clean energy. The policy shift may set a troubling precedent, especially as global attention turns to India’s environmental regulatory standards amid its expanding energy demands.
