Following emission norms could have saved lives

Mumbai: Around 76,000 premature deaths could have been averted if coal power plants in India had implemented the emission standard norms on time. These norms were notified by the Union environment ministry in 2015, according to a new report.

The recent analysis by Greenpeace India said that India would have reduced 48 per cent of SO2, 48 per cent of NOx and 40 per cent of particulate matter (PM) emission if the coal power plants had complied with the emission standard norms. Experts said that Mumbai and Thane were also reeling under NOx pollution which had increased over the years.

Greenpeace India made the analysis based on data accessed under a Right to Information response by the Central Pollution Control Board. While the deadline for complying with the emission standard norms was December 7 last year, experts said that very little improvement in emission control at power plants had been seen.

“The emissions levels in Maharashtra, too, need immediate attention as NOx levels in many cities including Thane and Mumbai have risen over the years. It is more severe in Thane, and the Nox emission could also lead to an increase in ozone concentration, which is a precursor to the formation of ozone,” said Sunil Dahiya, senior campaigner, Greenpeace India.  

The report highlighted that a delay of five years in the implementation of the standards could result in an estimated 3.8 lakh avoidable deaths, in which Nox emissions alone could account for 1.4 lakh avoidable deaths.

“It's unfortunate that the ministry of power and coal power companies are refusing to implement the rules and hiding behind false technical details. India should accelerate implementation of emission standards and stop any new investment on coal and move
aggressively towards renewable energy sources which are not just environmentally friendly but overall sustainable and cheaper than the polluting coal,” said Mr Dahiya.