Air pollution in India is a serious issue with severe impacts on public health and the economy. In particular, India struggles with high levels of sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions from coal-burning power plants. In response to this problem, the Ministry of Power (MoP) has extended the deadline for thermal power plants to install Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) units, which have proven effective in reducing sulfur emissions.
Initially, India had set a 2017 deadline for the installation of FGD units in thermal power plants. This deadline was later changed to varying deadlines for different regions, ending in 2022. This was further extended to a period ending in 2025 due to factors such as high costs, lack of funds, delays related to Covid-19, and geopolitical tension with China, which has restricted trade. Power plants will face forced retirement if they fail to meet the norms on sulfur emissions by the end of 2027.
The Importance of FGD Units
Indian cities are among the world’s most polluted, with India emitting almost twice the amount of SO2 than the next highest country, Russia. Thermal utilities, which account for 75% of the country’s power, are responsible for around 80% of industrial emissions of sulfur and nitrous-oxides. These pollutants are known to cause lung diseases, acid rain, and smog. Given these issues, it is vital that India push ahead with the implementation of FGD units in power plants.
Sulfur Dioxide Pollution: Causes and Effects
The primary source of sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere is the burning of fossil fuels by power plants and other industrial facilities. Other sources include activities like metal extraction, volcanic emissions, and the use of high-sulfur-content fuels in vehicles and heavy equipment.
Exposure to sulfur dioxide can have serious health impacts, including difficulties in breathing and potential harm to the respiratory system. Those with asthma, particularly children, are particularly sensitive to these effects. The World Health Organization (WHO) has estimated that pollution-related health issues cause 4.2 million deaths globally per year. Sulfur dioxide emissions contribute to other forms of air pollution as well, such as particulate matter (PM) pollution and acid rain, which can cause widespread environmental damage.
India’s Progress in Reducing SO2 Emissions
Despite these challenges, India has made some progress in reducing sulfur dioxide emissions. According to a report from Greenpeace India and the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), India’s SO2 emissions declined by about 6% in 2019 compared to 2018, representing the steepest drop in four years. Despite this improvement, India still remains the largest emitter of SO2.
Air Quality Standards
In order to measure and track the levels of various pollutants, an air quality sub-index has been created for eight pollutants for which short-term National Ambient Air Quality Standards are prescribed. These pollutants include PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, CO, O3, NH3, and Pb. This index plays a crucial role in informing policies and actions to address air pollution.
Addressing the Challenges
While progress has been made, the process of implementing effective measures to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions has been slow and fraught with obstacles. High costs, lack of funding, trade restrictions, and delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic have all contributed to the delay in installing FGD units. However, with the urgency of the situation growing, it is clear that further steps must be taken to accelerate progress and ensure that emissions reduction targets are met.
