Approach NGT with plea for installation of FGD systems in thermal power plants: Supreme Court to petitioners

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The Supreme Court on Tuesday (September 8, 2026) asked the petitioner to approach the National Green Tribunal (NGT) with its request for direction to ensure completion of installation and commissioning of Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) systems in all category ‘A’ thermal power plants across the country.

FGD systems are installed in coal-fired power plants to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions in compliance with environmental regulations.

Thermal power plants of category “A” are power plants located within 10 km of the capital region of the state or cities with more than one million inhabitants.

Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana told counsel appearing for the petitioners that the issue raised in the plea was within the domain of the NGT.

“We will ask the NGT to examine and consider the interim issue on priority,” the Bench said.

The petitioner’s counsel argued that time to time the deadline for fulfilling the mandate to install FGD systems in thermal power plants has been extended and people are facing health risks due to environmental losses due to pollution.

“We have found that the prayers raised here can effectively be raised before the NGT,” the Bench said.

The Supreme Court said that, according to the petitioner, the extended deadline for compliance is set to expire in 2027.

It asked the NGT to hear the petitioners for interim relief and pass appropriate orders.

The Bench made it clear that it was not concerned with the merits of the petition.

The petitioner sought directions to the Center and others to ensure completion of installation and commissioning of FGD systems in all category ‘A’ thermal power plants across the country within a time limit.

The plea said that in December 2015, the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change issued a notification.

It also sought the formation of a high-powered committee to monitor the progress of work on FGD facilities and ensure compliance with emission norms in category ‘A’ thermal power plants across the country.

Published – 8 Sep 2026 15:28 IST