Order of the Supreme Court regarding installation of flue gas desulfurization units in thermal power plants, 29/04/2025
Order of the Supreme Court in the matter of M C Mehta Vs Union of India & Others dated 29/04/2025.
Affidavit has been filed by NABHA Power Limited which runs the Rajpura thermal power plant in Rajpura, Punjab. It is stated in the affidavit that the NABHA Power Limited has installed both the flue gas desulfurization (FGD) units. However, it is submitted that due to non-cooperation on the part of the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited, there is a delay in commissioning.
The apex court pointed out that FDG units play a very important role in curbing the pollution Flue Gas Desulfurization.
FGD is a scrubbing technique that uses an alkaline reagent (typically a sodium- or calcium-based alkaline regent) to remove SO2 from flue gas.
The SC also ordered issuance of notice to nine thermal power plants out of which 2 plants are run by Punjab State Power Corporation Limited. The court also directed issuance of fresh notice to the thermal power plants mentioned in its earlier order dated April 2, 2025. The Union of India has been directed to immediately furnish the addresses of the thermal power plants mentioned in the order. Counsel appearing for the state of Punjab stated that he would take notice for the following - Guru Hargobind Thermal Plant, Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) and Guru Gobind Singh Super Thermal Power Plant (GGSSTP). While filing an affidavit in terms of the last order, Punjab State Power Corporation Limited has been asked to also deal with the factual contention raised in the affidavit of Nabha Power Limited.