The central government has once again extended the deadline for coal-based thermal power plants to meet sulphur dioxide (SO₂) emission standards and has fully exempted those located away from critically polluted areas or cities with populations over one million.

India had introduced strict SO₂ emission limits for coal-fired plants in December 2015, mandating compliance within two years. However, despite several deadline extensions, 92 per cent of these plants have yet to install flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) units — essential equipment to reduce SO₂ emissions, which contribute significantly to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution and related health issues.