New Delhi: The coal-based power sector is all set to avoid complying with the new emission norms that will come into effect shortly, according to a new analysis by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE).
The new norms were enacted by Union ministry of environment and forests and climate change in December 2015 in view of the sector’s massive contribution to air pollution. The same are to come into effect from December 2017.
Of the total emissions from the industrial sector, the power sector alone contributes 60 per cent of the particulate matter (PM), 45 per cent of Sox (sulphur dioxide), 30 per cent of NOx (nitrogen oxides), and 80 per cent of the mercury emissions. However, the analysis said that even though the industry was given two years to comply, there has been very little progress so far. Moreover, the sector is looking to avoid the deadline. This, the CSE said, is being done with “active help” from the ministry of power and the Central Electricity Authority. The CEA is now recommending that the plants be given another five years to comply. This would mean the deadline be extended from 2017 to 2022.
