Supreme Court directs petitioner to approach NGT on thermal plant emissions

The Supreme Court has directed a petitioner challenging the delayed installation of flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) systems in thermal power plants to approach the National Green Tribunal (NGT) with their concerns. The bench indicated that the specialized environmental tribunal would be the appropriate forum to examine the matter.

Counsel representing the petitioner argued that thermal power stations have repeatedly been granted extensions to meet the statutory requirement for installing FGD systems, which are critical air pollution control devices. The counsel contended that these repeated delays have exposed citizens to hazardous air pollution and related health risks.

FGD systems are designed to remove sulphur dioxide and other harmful emissions from power plant exhaust, a key component of India's air quality management strategy. The original compliance timeline for thermal power plants to install these systems has been extended multiple times over the years, raising concerns among environmental advocates and public health experts.

The NGT, established under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, has jurisdiction over environmental matters and has previously examined disputes concerning industrial pollution control compliance. The court's direction suggests the petitioner should seek remedial measures through this specialized tribunal rather than pursue the matter in the Supreme Court.