India's Rollback on Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD): A Clean Air Setback?
A Current Affairs Insight for UPSC by Suryavanshi IAS, Lucknow
🗞 The Story So Far
On June 4, 2025, The Hindu reported that a high-level expert committee, chaired by Principal Scientific Advisor Ajay Sood, recommended doing away with the decade-old policy requiring mandatory Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) systems in India’s coal-fired Thermal Power Plants (TPPs).
Despite a 2015 mandate for installation of FGDs to curb Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂) emissions, only 39 of 537 coal-fired TPPs have installed them as of April 2025.
🔍 What is Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD)?
FGD units are pollution control devices designed to remove SO₂ from flue gases emitted by burning coal. SO₂ is a key contributor to PM2.5, acid rain, and respiratory illness.
💨 Common FGD Types:
| Method | Description | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Sorbent Injection | Inject powdered limestone or similar material into the flue gas | Moderate |
| Wet Limestone Scrubbing | Use limestone slurry to form gypsum, a by-product used in construction | Very High |
| Seawater FGD | Used in coastal TPPs; SO₂ is absorbed and neutralised | High (Coastal use only) |
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SO₂ contributes to PM2.5 — India's most dangerous pollutant.
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15% of PM2.5 pollution in India comes from coal; 80% of that is from secondary PM formed by SO₂.
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Causes asthma, bronchitis, heart disease, and acid rain.
🏗️ India’s FGD Policy Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2015 | FGD installation made mandatory for 537 coal-fired units |
| 2018 | Original compliance deadline |
| 2024 | Only 39 plants complied |
| Dec 2024 | Compliance deadline pushed to 2027–29 |
| Apr 2025 | Expert panel recommends rolling back mandatory FGD policy |
| June 2025 | MoEFCC exempts 78% of plants from FGD requirements |
Argument | Government & Industry | Environmental Experts |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ₹1.2 crore/MW. Adds ₹0.72/kWh to tariff. Total ₹97,000+ crore for new capacity | Only ₹0.10/kWh is variable. Fixed cost predictable |
| Air Quality | Delhi’s coal TPPs not major contributors | FGD impact is regional, not just local. 200+ km range |
| Alternatives | None, but prefer stack dispersion | No alternative to FGD to remove SO₂ |
| Economic Impact | May increase tariffs | Healthcare savings offset cost |
⚖️ Scientific Concerns About the Rollback
“No technology other than FGD removes SO₂ from coal combustion. Removing the mandate could spike SO₂ concentrations in North and East India.”
– Pooja Gupta, National Foundation for India
“FGD costs are mostly fixed; they offer long-term savings by reducing public health burdens.”
– Shruti Sharma, IISD
📌 UPSC GS Paper 3 (Mains): Sample Answer Outline
Q. Discuss the recent rollback of the FGD mandate for thermal power plants in India. What are its implications for air quality and public health?
📝 Model Structure:
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Intro: Brief on 2015 FGD mandate and 2025 rollback
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Body:
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Define FGD + how it works
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Health and environmental impact of SO₂
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Current status of FGD in India
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Arguments for and against rollback (cost, effectiveness)
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Expert opinions + public health implications
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Conclusion: Balance between energy affordability and environmental sustainability. Need for long-term planning and cleaner technology adoption.
🧠 Relevant UPSC Previous Year Questions
Prelims 2020
In India, why are some thermal power plants located near the sea?
a) To transport coal easily
b) For water cooling
c) To use seawater for FGD
d) To export electricity by sea cables
Answer: ✅ c) (FGD context)
Mains 2019, GS3
“Pollution from thermal power plants is a growing concern in India.” Discuss the regulatory mechanisms in place and suggest improvements.
📊 Data That UPSC Aspirants Must Remember
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India's coal capacity: 2,19,338 MW (as of April 2025)
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TPPs with FGD: Only 39 out of 537 (7%)
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Cost of FGD: ₹1.2 crore/MW
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Estimated pollution range: TPPs impact areas up to 200 km away
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15% of PM2.5 is coal-linked; 80% from SO₂
🎓 Conclusion: Way Forward
India faces a climate-health-development paradox. While energy access is vital for growth, ignoring clean air norms will escalate public health costs, weaken programs like NCAP, and hurt India’s Paris Agreement commitments.
UPSC aspirants must understand this issue holistically, linking environment, economy, energy, and health.
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