Chennai, 30 April (H.S.): The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has quashed a Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) order that allowed thermal power plants to change their coal source without conducting an environmental impact assessment. The NGT’s decision came in response to a petition challenging the Ministry’s order, which was seen as a move to relax environmental norms.

The Tribunal observed that the Ministry’s order was arbitrary and failed to consider the potential environmental implications of changing coal sources. The NGT emphasized that any change in coal source could lead to increased pollution and harm to the environment, and therefore, a thorough impact assessment was necessary. The Tribunal’s decision sets a precedent for stricter environmental regulations for thermal power plants in India.

The NGT’s order is seen as a significant step towards ensuring that environmental clearances are not bypassed and that power plants operate in an environmentally responsible manner. The decision is expected to have implications for several thermal power plants across the country, particularly those planning to switch to different coal sources.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary