Ministry supports revised SO2 emission norms, slams critics

India's Environment Ministry has strongly defended its recent decision to relax sulphur dioxide (SO2) emission standards for coal-fired power plants, extending compliance deadlines and allowing older plants to meet less stringent norms. The Ministry argues this revision is a practical and balanced approach that considers energy security, affordability for consumers, and technical feasibility, while still aiming for long-term emission reductions. It directly criticized environmental activists and experts who have slammed the move as a harmful dilution of environmental regulations, stating that their objections are "premature and unscientific." The Ministry maintains that the new policy provides a realistic roadmap for thermal plants to eventually reduce pollution without jeopardizing the country's power supply.

Click on the link to read this news: Ministry supports revised SO2 emission norms, slams critics