The Supreme Court has advised a petitioner to move the National Green Tribunal (NGT) regarding the mandatory installation of Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) systems in thermal power plants to combat air pollution.

  • SC ruled that FGD installation issues fall under NGT jurisdiction.
  • FGD systems are critical for reducing Sulphur Dioxide emissions.
  • Mandate applies specifically to Category 'A' thermal plants near NCR and large cities.
  • Current compliance deadline has been extended to 2027.

New Delhi: In a significant legal development on Tuesday, the Supreme Court of India directed a petitioner to approach the National Green Tribunal (NGT) regarding a plea seeking the mandatory installation and operationalization of Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) systems in all Category ‘A’ thermal power plants across the country.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V. Mohana observed that the specific environmental concerns raised in the petition fall squarely within the domain and expertise of the NGT. The Court emphasized that it would not deal with the merits of the case directly, as the regulatory oversight belongs to the specialized tribunal.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the delay in implementing FGD technology poses a massive risk to public health in India's most densely populated regions. FGD systems are designed to scrub sulphur dioxide from exhaust gases, preventing the formation of acid rain and respiratory illnesses. As India continues to rely heavily on coal for power, the gap between emission norms and actual implementation remains a critical environmental flashpoint.

The judicial transition from the Supreme Court to the NGT highlights the importance of specialized environmental adjudication in handling complex industrial pollution cases.

The petitioner's counsel argued that the repeated extensions of the compliance timeline have led to severe environmental degradation and health hazards for citizens. The plea highlights that Category ‘A’ plants—those located within a 10 km radius of the National Capital Region (NCR) or cities with a population exceeding one million—are vital targets for immediate intervention.

Historical Background

The mandate for installing these anti-pollution systems was formally issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in December 2015. Despite the long-standing notification, various stakeholders and government bodies have seen the implementation deadlines pushed back multiple times, with the current deadline set for 2027.

Did You Know?: Sulphur dioxide emissions from coal plants are a primary contributor to fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which is a major cause of smog in Indian metros.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the role of FGD systems?
FGD systems are used in coal-fired power plants to remove sulphur dioxide from flue gases before they are released into the atmosphere.

2. What defines a Category 'A' thermal power plant?
These are plants located within 10 km of the National Capital Region or cities with a population of over one million.