In a major policy shift, India has relaxed its sulphur dioxide (SO₂) emission rules for coal-fired power plants, effectively rolling back key provisions of a decade-old clean-air mandate introduced in 2015. The original regulation required all thermal power plants to install flue-gas desulphurisation (FGD) systems—technology used to reduce SO₂ emissions linked to respiratory diseases and acid rain. Under the revised guidelines issued in July 2025, power plants located beyond 10 kilometers from heavily polluted or densely populated areas are no longer required to install FGDs. This exemption now applies to nearly 79% of the country’s coal-based power capacity, while another 11% will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Only plants near major urban centers—comprising about 10% of the total capacity—are mandated to comply by December 2027.
The Environment Ministry and Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) argue that India’s domestic coal contains low sulphur content, and that FGD systems could raise carbon dioxide emissions, increase water consumption, and lead to higher electricity costs. They also referenced studies that question the cost-effectiveness of FGDs in the Indian context. However, environmentalists and public health experts have expressed alarm, noting that sulphur dioxide is a major precursor to PM2.5—fine particulate matter known to cause severe lung and heart diseases. Critics like the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) warn that this decision could jeopardize India’s air quality improvement goals and disproportionately impact vulnerable communities. Additionally, the rollback comes amid ongoing concerns about India’s urban air pollution crisis, with cities like Delhi already among the world’s most polluted. Experts stress that the move undermines India’s commitments under its National Clean Air Programme and could delay compliance with global health and climate targets. More