NITI Aayog urges power plants to halt sulphur reduction equipment installation

28 Oct 2024 CW Team

Air pollution levels in India rank among the highest globally, posing significant threats to public health and the economy. In response to this crisis, the government mandated coal-fired power stations to adhere to stricter emissions regulations or face potential closure, initially setting a 2017 deadline for the installation of flue gas desulfurization (FGD) units. However, this deadline has since been extended to 2026.

The document indicated that NITI Aayog recommended that the federal environment and power ministries instruct coal-based power plants to cease placing new orders for desulfurization equipment. Should this proposal be implemented, it could halt tenders worth 960 billion rupees (approximately $11.42 billion) for sulphur-reducing equipment across 80,000 megawatts of coal-fired capacity.

Environmental advocates support stringent emissions reduction regulations for coal-fired power stations, noting that these facilities are responsible for around 80% of industrial sulphur and nitrous oxide emissions in India, which contribute to lung diseases and acid rain.

The document from NITI Aayog references a government study claiming that the data does not indicate that sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions from India's coal-based power plants are negatively affecting air quality. This assertion contradicts the conclusions of several studies conducted by international organizations and advocacy groups.

A 2019 report from Greenpeace identified India as the largest emitter of sulphur dioxide (SO2) worldwide, primarily due to emissions from coal-fired power plants.

India's top policy think tank has proposed suspending the installation of equipment designed to reduce sulfur emissions at coal-fired power plants, according to a document reviewed by Reuters. This proposal has reignited discussions about the country's commitment to improving air quality. Air pollution levels in India rank among the highest globally, posing significant threats to public health and the economy. In response to this crisis, the government mandated coal-fired power stations to adhere to stricter emissions regulations or face potential closure, initially setting a 2017 deadline for the installation of flue gas desulfurization (FGD) units. However, this deadline has since been extended to 2026. The document indicated that NITI Aayog recommended that the federal environment and power ministries instruct coal-based power plants to cease placing new orders for desulfurization equipment. Should this proposal be implemented, it could halt tenders worth 960 billion rupees (approximately $11.42 billion) for sulphur-reducing equipment across 80,000 megawatts of coal-fired capacity. Environmental advocates support stringent emissions reduction regulations for coal-fired power stations, noting that these facilities are responsible for around 80% of industrial sulphur and nitrous oxide emissions in India, which contribute to lung diseases and acid rain. The document from NITI Aayog references a government study claiming that the data does not indicate that sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions from India's coal-based power plants are negatively affecting air quality. This assertion contradicts the conclusions of several studies conducted by international organizations and advocacy groups. A 2019 report from Greenpeace identified India as the largest emitter of sulphur dioxide (SO2) worldwide, primarily due to emissions from coal-fired power plants.

Infrastructure Urban

09 Jan 2026

Mount Invests Rs 250 Cr, Adds PUF & PEB Plants, 400+ Jobs

TUMKUR, Karnataka, January 8, 2025 - Mount Roofing & Structures Private Limited, one of India's fastest-growing manufacturers in PUF and a leading solutions provider across Pre-Engineered Building (PEB) and Polycarbonate sheets, simultaneously inaugurated its second fully automated continuous Sandwich Panel manufacturing line and a new PEB manufacturing plant at its integrated campus in Tumkur." The milestone expansion, part of a total investment of INR 250 crores, marks a significant advancement in the company's commitment to engineered performance, manu..

Infrastructure Urban

09 Jan 2026

Titan Intech Strengthens UltraLED Push With Global LED Veteran

Titan Intech has announced the induction of global LED industry veteran Su Piow Ko to its Board of Directors, marking a strategic step in strengthening its UltraLED Displays roadmap and building globally competitive LED display solutions from India.The appointment aligns with Titan Intech’s ambition to position India as a hub for advanced, high-quality LED display manufacturing. With an increased focus on UltraLED Displays, the company aims to enhance technical governance, raise manufacturing standards and expand its presence across global markets.Su Piow Ko brings over three decades of inte..

Infrastructure Urban

09 Jan 2026

Dun & Bradstreet Flags New Growth Engines in India 2026 Outlook

Dun & Bradstreet has released its India 2026: D&B’s Perspective report, projecting a stable macroeconomic environment underpinned by fresh opportunities for productivity-led and inclusive growth. The report outlines how India’s next growth phase will be driven by digitised logistics, trusted data ecosystems, clean energy and rising city vitality.According to the outlook, India’s GDP growth is expected to reach around 6.6 per cent by FY2027, supported by resilient consumer demand and sustained public investment. Manufacturing is seen entering a new phase, moving beyond scale towar..