Ministry supports revised SO2 emission norms

The government on Monday defended its recent move to ease sulphur dioxide (SO₂) emission norms for thermal power plants, saying the decision was based on detailed scientific studies and stakeholder consultations, and that media reports terming the move a “regulatory dilution” have “grossly misinterpreted” the notification.

- Jayashree Nandi

The statement came days after the Union environment ministry on July 11 extended deadlines and exempted a large number of coal plants from installing flue gas desulphurisation units.

“The media reports misrepresent both the scientific evidence and the environmental policy rationale underlying the revised notification,” the ministry said in its statement on Monday.

THE MINISTRY ALSO REJECTED SUGGESTIONS THAT NAAQS FOR SO2, LAST REVISED IN 2009, ARE OUTDATED

It said the revised norms were framed after “extensive consultations with stakeholders and research institutions regarding the effectiveness and rationale behind stack emission standards for SO2 on 537 TPPs throughout the country, and its role in overall ambient air pollution of the region.”

Further, the ministry said sulfate aerosols from SO2 constitute a relatively small fraction of PM 2.5, suggesting that was not a major public health issue, as suggested by environmental groups.