Tangedco moves Supreme Court against CPCB’s Rs 1.08 cr penalty

The NCTPP was one among the 15 coal-fired thermal power stations found to be non-compliant with the new emission norms introduced by the Centre in 2015. The units were ordered to deposit Rs 18 lakh per month for six months from January this year by CPCB for non-compliance.

A senior official of Tangedco confirmed approaching the SC against the CPCB order. “We have already begun the process to install the Flue Gas Desulphurization (FGD) in the NCTPP Station-II. The consultant appointed by us has submitted a detailed project report. We have sought some clarification. After this, we will commence the tendering process for the FGD installation,” the official said, adding the CPCB notice has imposed penalty even as their petition seeking an extension of timeline for the unit-I of the NCTPP to be extended up to December 31, 2021.

The Union Environment Ministry on December 11, 2017, had given three directions to the NCTPP Station-II under Section 5 of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, which includes installation of FGD by December 31, 2019, in Unit-1, so as to comply to sulphur dioxide (SO2) emission limit; installation of low nitrogen oxide (NOx) burners; and limit particulate matter immediately by retrofitting Electrostatic Precipitators.

The CPCB, in its order dated May 8, said that in compliance with the order of the National Green Tribunal, it has framed a policy for the imposition of environmental compensation for damage to the environment by industrial units.

Taking into consideration environmental concerns, the pollution board has directed to deposit environment compensation of Rs 18 lakh per month per non-compliant unit to CPCB by 5th of the succeeding month for non-compliance of emission norms since January 1 this year. Besides the penalty, the CPCB also warned that it would issue further orders including direction for closure after periodical review.