NTPC and DVC instructed to ensure their power plants comply with emission standards by 2021

• 5 years ago (2018-09-10)
• David Flin

Asia 851 Coal 278 Emissions 60

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The Supreme Court of India has been informed that National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) and Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) have been directed by the Indian Government to comply with emission standards for sulphur oxide and particulate matter by the end of 2021. NTPC has 48 thermal power plants. DVC has nine such units in densely populated zones with a combined installed capacity of 500 MW.

The Government told the Supreme Court: “These units are expected to comply with emission standards for SOx and PM by 31 December, 2021 at the latest. The tenders are expected to be awarded in all cases by December 2021. Directions have been given by the Government of India to these entities in this regard to ensure compliance by 2021.”

Additional Solicitor General A N S Nadkarni said there were some private units and state government-run thermal power generation units with installed capacity over 500 MW, and the Ministry of Power can neither exercise “coercive authority” over them nor give any commitment on their behalf. He said: “Keeping in view the requirements of the environment and the health of the people of this country, we are of the view that it would be appropriate if these power generating units are also brought on board to consider the impact of what they are doing to the environment and to the health of the people of the country.”