New Delhi, Aug 2 (UNI) The Supreme Court on July 22 directed the Ministry of Power to convene a joint meeting with key energy regulators to formulate a comprehensive strategy for reducing carbon emissions from coal-fired power plants.
A Bench comprising Justice PS Narasimha and Justice AS Chandurkar expressed concern over persistent regulatory inaction, warning that delays in implementing pollution control measures would severely impact air quality in Delhi and its surrounding areas.
Relying on a report submitted by the Amicus Curiae, the Court observed that thermal power plants were among the largest contributors to PM2.5 emissions in the Delhi-NCR region.
The report highlighted that despite clear government mandates, flue-gas desulphurisation (FGD) systems had been installed in only a limited number of plants.
The report also pointed out that several power plants located within a 300-km radius of Delhi continued to violate sulphur dioxide emission standards issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
The case stems from the Court’s earlier order dated February 21, 2025, in which it acknowledged the deepening climate crisis and its far-reaching impacts. “Climate change has ascended as one of the most existential global predicaments, wielding profound ramifications beyond mere environmental degradation,” the Court had noted in that order.
During the July 22 proceedings, the Bench recorded submissions from the Union government and the Amicus Curiae regarding the carbon footprint of various sectors. The Court noted that thermal power generation alone accounts for approximately 8 per cent of India’s total carbon emissions and contributes significantly to particulate matter pollution.
While acknowledging the Government of India’s achievements in expanding renewable energy capacity, which now constitutes nearly half of the country’s installed power generation, the Court stressed the need for parallel reforms in the coal sector and strict enforcement of emission standards.
The Amicus Curiae further drew attention to a recent notification dated July 11, 2025, issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, which reportedly weakened the 2015 emission norms.
To ensure coordinated regulatory oversight, the Court directed that both the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) and the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) be impleaded as parties in the case.
The Ministry of Power has been asked to hold a joint meeting with the CEA and CERC and file a comprehensive affidavit within four weeks.
This affidavit must detail existing regulatory mechanisms, specific strategies for emission reduction, and a timeline for decarbonisation, including the implementation status of FGD systems.
The matter is scheduled for further hearing on August 19.
