Executive Summary:
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) addresses concerns regarding exemptions to SO2 emission control for thermal power plants (TPPs) in specific areas. The notification G.S.R. 465 (E) dated 11.07.2025 outlines the applicability of SO2 emission standards based on TPP category. Compliance deadlines vary by category, with potential environmental compensation for non-compliance.
Key Points / Main Content:
* **SO2 Emission Standards Applicability (G.S.R. 465 (E) dated 11.07.2025):**
* Reviewed emission standards notified on 07.12.2015, considering representations and research.
* Category A (within 10 km of NCR or million-plus cities): Mandatory compliance by 31.12.2027.
* Category B (within 10 km of non-attainment or critically polluted cities): Compliance by 31.12.2028; exemptions decided case-by-case by the Central Government based on Expert Appraisal Committee recommendations, contingent on meeting stack height requirements (G.S.R. 742 (E) dated 30.08.1990).
* Category C (Other): Not applicable, subject to meeting stack height requirements (G.S.R. 742 (E) dated 30.08.1990); compliance by 31.12.2029.
* **Justification for Category-Wise Applicability:**
* Based on scientific studies and analysis of ambient SO2 concentrations.
* Applies precautionary principle in densely populated and pollution-sensitive areas.
* Considers resource conservation (water, power, limestone), carbon footprint, techno-economic feasibility, and potential electricity price increases.
* **Compliance and Enforcement:**
* TPPs must comply with emission standards within prescribed timelines.
* Non-compliant TPPs face environmental compensation.
* All TPPs, regardless of SO2 standard applicability, must meet stack height criteria (G.S.R. 742 (E) dated 30.08.1990).
Impact Analysis:
* **Thermal Power Plants (TPPs):**
* Impact: Subject to varying SO2 emission standards and compliance timelines based on category. Face potential environmental compensation for non-compliance. Must adhere to stack height requirements.
* Action Required: Determine category, comply with applicable SO2 emission standards and timelines, and ensure compliance with stack height criteria.
* **Citizens in Densely Populated and Pollution-Sensitive Areas:**
* Impact: Benefit from stricter SO2 emission controls in their vicinity due to the application of the precautionary principle.
* Action Required: No direct action required.
* **Consumers of Electricity:**
* Impact: May experience potential electricity price increases due to the implementation of SO2 control measures.
* Action Required: No direct action required.
* **Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC):**
* Impact: Responsible for overseeing the implementation and enforcement of the revised SO2 emission standards.
* Action Required: Monitor TPP compliance, assess the effectiveness of the category-wise approach, and enforce environmental compensation for non-compliance.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change: The Indian government ministry responsible for environmental protection and climate change policies; also referred to as MoEFCC.
Environment Protection Fourth Amendment: A recent amendment related to environment protection policies in India, specifically addressing thermal power plants and SO2 emissions.
Thermal Power Plants: Power plants that use heat to generate electricity. The policy text discusses emission standards for coal/lignite-fired thermal power plants (TPPs).
SO2 emission standards: Standards regulating the emission of sulfur dioxide (SO2) from thermal power plants, established by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
G.S.R. 465 E dated 11.07.2025: A notification issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) regarding the applicability of SO2 emission standards.
National Capital Region: A planning region in India which encompasses the entire National Capital Territory of Delhi along with adjoining districts from the states of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan
G.S.R. 742 E dated 30.08.1990: A notification related to stack height criteria for Thermal Power Plants.
Expert Appraisal Committee Thermal Projects: A committee that provides recommendations to the Central Government regarding exemptions for Thermal Power Plants from SO2 emission standards.
OIH
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2475
TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.08.2025
Protection of Weaker Sections from Pollution
2475. SHRI SANJAY UTTAMRAO DESHMUKH:
Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to
state:
(a) whether the recently passed Environment (Protection) Fourth Amendment exempts the
thermal power plants in category B and C areas from mandatory SO2 emission control;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the manner in which the Government justifies excluding rural, tribal and non-urban
populations from the pollution protection given to urban areas;
(d) whether the Government considers this policy to be discriminatory towards weaker
section deprived of adequate healthcare and air quality safeguards; and
(e) if so, the steps taken/being taken to ensure equal environmental protection for all
irrespective of location and to address SO2-related health risks in exempted areas?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE
CHANGE
(SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)
(a) & (b):
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Govt. of India notified
emission standards for coal/lignite-fired Thermal Power Plants (TPPs) vide notification dated
07.12.2015. The SO emission standards prescribed vide notification dated 07.12.2015 have been
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reviewed by the Central Government taking into consideration the various representations
received regarding exemption or relaxation in timelines. Besides, studies conducted by research
institutions regarding effectiveness and rationale behind these standards and its role in overall
ambient air pollution of the region, were also considered to evaluate the need of universal
applicability and enforcement of these standards. After detailed review of the matter, Ministry
has recently issued notification vide G.S.R. 465 (E) dated 11.07.2025 regarding the applicability
of SO emission standards notified vide notification dated 07.12.2015. Accordingly, the
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applicability and timelines for compliance of SO emission standards by TPPs are as follows:
2Timelines for
Category Applicability of SO emission standards
2
compliance
Category A (Plants within 10
km radius of NCR or cities Mandatory 31.12.2027
having million plus population)
To be decided on a case to case basis by the
Central Government based upon the
recommendations of the Expert Appraisal
Category B (Plants within 10
Committee (Thermal Projects).
km radius of non-attainment
In case any TPP is considered for exemption 31.12.2028
cities or critically polluted
from SO emission standards, such TPP
areas) 2
shall ensure meeting stack height as per
notification no. G.S.R. 742 (E) dated
30.08.1990.
Not applicable subject to condition of
Category C (Other than those
meeting stack height as per notification no. 31.12.2029
included in Category A and B)
G.S.R. 742 (E) dated 30.08.1990.
(c) to (e):
The category-wise applicability of SO emission standards in Thermal Power Plants (TPPs) has
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been decided based on detailed scientific studies and analysis of ambient SO concentrations
2
across the country, including areas near TPPs. This approach applies the precautionary principle
for controlling and abating air pollution in densely populated and other air pollution-sensitive
areas. The decision taken by the Central Government while issuing Notification dated
11.07.2025 is based on scientific approach, environmental sustainability and environmental
benefits/loss in achieving SO emission norms.
2
This approach demonstrates resource conservation by avoiding additional consumption of water,
auxiliary power, and limestone; it also considers the increase in carbon footprint/CO emissions
2
resulting from the operation of deployed control measures, as well as the mining and
transportation of limestone required for these measures. Furthermore, it takes into account the
techno-economic feasibility of implementing such control measures across all coal/lignite-based
TPPs. Additionally, the precautionary principle has been applied for control and abatement of air
pollution in densely populated and other air pollution-sensitive areas, while also considering the
heavy burden on consumers due to potential increases in electricity prices.
TPPs are required to comply with the emission standards notified by MoEFCC within the
prescribed time limits, failing which environmental compensation shall be imposed on the non-
compliant TPP units for operation beyond the prescribed time limit at prescribed rates. In all
cases where SO emission standards are not being made applicable, TPPs, irrespective of
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location, shall ensure compliance of stack height criteria notified vide notification number GSR
742 (E) dated the 30.08.1990.
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