The Ministry of Environment has notified revised standards for coal-based thermal power plants to reduce pollution. These norms are to be implemented in a phased manner making it more stringent.
The coal-based thermal power plants have now been categorised into three categories viz. those installed before 2003, those after them till December 31, 2016 and the ones to come up after December 31, 2016.
The new standards are aimed at reducing emission of PM10 (0.98 kg/MWh), Sulphur Dioxide (7.3 Kg/MWh) and Oxide of Nitrogen (4.8 kg/MWh), which will improve the Ambient Air Quality.
The revised standards are based on recommendation of the Central Pollution Control Board. The Ministry had also consulted with stakeholders and had placed these standards on its website. The standards were notified in the Gazette of India on December 7.