Supreme Court Refers FGD Installation Issue in Category ‘A’ Power Plants to NGT — Implications for Environment Policy

The Supreme Court on 8 September 2026 directed a petitioner to approach the NGT for interim relief on the installation of FGD systems in all Category ‘A’ thermal power plants across India.

Key Developments

• The bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana held that the matter falls within the domain of the NGT.
• The Court instructed the petitioner’s counsel to file the plea before the NGT on a priority basis.
• The petitioner highlighted repeated extensions of the compliance deadline, now set to expire in 2027, and cited health hazards from sulphur‑dioxide pollution.
• The Court clarified that it has not examined the merits of the petition; it merely redirected the issue.

Important Facts

• A notification issued by the MoEFCC in December 2015 mandated the installation of FGD systems in Category ‘A’ plants.
• The petitioner also sought the constitution of a high‑power committee to monitor progress and ensure compliance with emission norms.
• Category ‘A’ plants are strategically located near the capital region or large cities, making their emissions a critical public‑health concern.

Exam Relevance

Understanding the role of the Supreme Court and the NGT is essential for GS 2 (Polity) and GS 3 (Environment) topics. The case illustrates how environmental compliance is enforced through judicial intervention, a recurring theme in the UPSC syllabus. The technology FGD links to energy policy and pollution control, relevant for GS 3 (Energy & Environment). The classification of Category ‘A’ thermal power plants underscores the government's focus on high‑impact zones, a point often asked in questions on urban planning and public health.

Way Forward

• The NGT should prioritize the interim petition and set clear timelines for compliance.
• The Centre, through the MoEFCC, may need to issue a fresh directive or monitor mechanism, possibly via the proposed high‑power committee.
• States hosting Category ‘A’ plants should strengthen on‑ground monitoring to reduce health risks from sulphur‑dioxide exposure.