Power ministry proposes pushing back new emission norms deadline

Power ministry says 'an unworkable time schedule' will increase tariffs

The power ministry has proposed pushing back the deadlines for adoption of new emission norms by coal-fired power plants, saying “an unworkable time schedule” would burden utilities and lead to an increase in power tariffs.

India initially had set a 2017 deadline for thermal power plants to comply with emissions standards for installing Flue Gas Desulphurization (FGD) units that cut emissions of toxic sulphur dioxide. That was later changed to varying deadlines for different regions, ending in 2022.

Under the latest proposal, no new dates have been set.

However, a final decision will have to be approved by the Supreme Court, which is