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Power Plants not complying with directions of CPCB in amid of cash crunch

To curb pollution, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) issued notification and direction for phased implementation of Flue Gas De-Sulphurisation (FGD) in plants for a capacity of 161,402 MW and upgradation of 64,425 mw plants by 2022. And those who fail to comply with such emission norms shall be liable for penal action including closure of the plant and also imposition of environmental compensation. Government has further made clear that such plants not complying with the norms will not get any support from the government. Objective of such imposition is to reduce sulphur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), reduce water consumption and mercury levels emission from thermal power plants. Power producers on the other hand states that they are not able to order power plant equipment due to cash crunch rising amid non payment by discoms. Government must take appropriate measures to end this vicious circle of non-payment by discoms as the distribution segment is turning to become one of the weakest link in the power value chain which may impediment further developments in the segment and also hinder implementation of any initiative taken by government.