Surveys Indicate No Negative Health Effects in the Areas Surrounding Thermal Plants: Centre
The central government has stated that health surveys conducted near coal-fired thermal power plants in Maharashtra have not found any negative health effects on residents, including children and the elderly. The clarification was given in response to concerns about pollution from power plants such as Parli, Solapur, and Chandrapur Super Thermal Power Station (CSTPS).
Addressing a query in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Power Shripad Naik confirmed that the government has not conducted independent studies on the health impact of emissions from these thermal power plants. However, he stated that surveys conducted by the respective power plants, district health officers, and medical superintendents have indicated no adverse health effects in the surrounding areas.
Pollution Control Measures in Place
Responding to concerns raised by Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut, the minister outlined the measures taken to minimise emissions from coal-fired power plants. He said that all thermal power plants are required to comply with emission norms set by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
“The government has categorised thermal power plants into three groups based on their location and pollution levels, with specific timelines for compliance,” Naik stated. He explained that plants near densely populated areas or critically polluted zones have been given earlier deadlines to adopt emission control measures.
Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Systems (CAAQMS) have been installed in these areas, with real-time data being transmitted to both the CPCB and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB). “The monitoring stations confirm that sulphur dioxide (SO₂) and particulate matter (PM2.5) levels in the ambient air around these power stations remain within the prescribed limits,” the minister said.
Measures to Reduce Pollution
The government has implemented several pollution control measures, including:
- Installation of Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) systems to control SO₂ emissions.
- Electrostatic Precipitators (ESP) for reducing particulate matter emissions.
- Combustion modifications to limit nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions.
- Use of ultra-supercritical and supercritical technology in newer power plants to enhance efficiency.
- Biomass co-firing to reduce coal dependency.
- Tree plantations, dust suppression systems, and water sprinklers to manage airborne pollutants.
- Phased retirement of old and inefficient thermal power plants.
Despite concerns from environmental groups, the government maintains that its monitoring mechanisms and pollution control measures are ensuring air quality remains within acceptable limits.
