(a) whether the Government proposes to take any concrete steps for strict compliance of norms with regard to emission of sulphur dioxide and other gases emitting from coal-based power plants;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the details of the action taken on non-complying units, if any, so far?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR)
(a)&(b) Yes sir. The height of chimney/stack is prescribed for a thermal power plant considering the expected emission of Sulphur Dioxide and dispersion so as to minimize ground level concentration through ‘Environmental Clearance’ under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and ‘Consent to Establish’ under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act,1981. Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD), air pollution control device, is prescribed to control gaseous emission from coal based thermal power plants, through Environmental Clearance on case to case basis. However, remaining plants have been insisted upon to reserve space for retrofitting of FGD.
(c) Directions under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 have been issued by Central Pollution Control Board to 10 thermal power plants apart from Directions under Sub-Section 18(1)(b) of the Water Act, 1974 and the Air Act, 1981, as relevant to concerned State Pollution Control Boards for ensuring compliance in other four thermal power plants during last three years.