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Time of India
22-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Lessons learnt from FGD policy
Navigating energy transition in a large developing country like India throws up a number of challenges. Meeting the growing energy demand in a reliable and affordable manner while achieving the decarbonisation trajectory requires a policy design that minimises the cost of compliance with laid down targets and environmental standards. Deployment of new clean technologies may lead to cost reduction in long term but the avoidable increase in energy prices in near to medium term has the risk of impacting the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals and industrial competitiveness. Let us look at the facts which led to revision in the approach regarding installation of Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) equipment in existing and new coal-based power plants . Instead of focussing at the compliance with National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), the SO2 emission standards notified at stack level(discharge from chimney of the plant) in 2015 led to a situation where each thermal plant was required to invest in technologies like FGD. This imposed not only extra cost of about 30 paise per unit of electricity but also higher emissions of carbon dioxide due to increase in auxiliary consumption of the plants for running the FGD. The imbalance in supply of imported components and sudden increase in demand led to a situation that Damodar Valley Corporation saw an increase of cost in FGD project from ₹50 lakh per MW to ₹1 crore per MW in a short period. It took several years and avoidable cost increase in power supply to realise on the basis of a number of scientific studies that in most of the cases, NAAQS could be easily met by simply adhering to the already laid down chimney height norms which ensure that the emission from low sulphur Indian coal combustion get dispersed easily. Except for the coal deposits of NE region of India, Indian coal is characterised by high ash but low sulphur with less than 0.6 per cent concentration. Coal in our NE region has sulphur content from 3 to 5 per cent which is not used much in power generation. The sulphur concentration can go up to 5 per cent in imported high sulphur coal. Thus, the Ministry of Environment and Forest has rightly exempted about 78 per cent of the power plants from investing in FGD and saved the avoidable burden on electricity prices while mandating the adherence to stack height norms to ensure dispersion of emissions. At the same time, it has continued the obligation for plants in or vicinity of NCR region and million plus cities where SO2 emission load in the ambient air is high on account of other pollution loads like industrial units and vehicular emissions. For other critically polluted areas, a case-by-case approach has been planned based on scientific analysis. But meanwhile several power plants have started implementation of FGD which would add a burden of about more than ₹50000 crores. However, the revised policy approach has saved avoidable investment of more than ₹1.4 lac crores. The revised approach is welcome as it meets the national environmental standards without avoidable cost increase in basic infrastructure like electricity. It will also avoid the increase of CO2 emissions which last far longer in the atmosphere aggravating global warming, emissions involved in mining and transport of lime stone and wastage of water. I am sure that Hon'ble Courts will also approve the decision based on scientific studies. But the lessons learnt in this case should not be forgotten while designing the policies in other areas. Two key lessons emerge. First, that major decisions should be taken only on the basis of pilot projects in multiple locations with their results thoroughly assessed by independent scientific studies, and secondly, the policy design should be largely technology neutral for achieving the overall national goals. Another case of such a policy overreach is the mandated source wise renewable energy consumption obligations. We have mandated separate targets for various sources like solar, wind, hydro, distributed energy sources etc within the overall yearly targets. Some fungibility has been permitted for year-to-year adjustments. But the cost optimisation opportunities are largely missed at the stage of capacity expansion planning if the concerned distribution company has to comply with the source wise targets. The overall objective is decarbonisation of grid electricity which can be achieved by several routes like solar, wind, hydro or for that matter even nuclear. A sound policy will be to permit complete fungibility as long the overall targets of non-fossil electricity are met. Why a state of NE region rich in hydro should be compelled to import wind energy from far off distances if it increases the overall system costs. A case of sound and balanced policy is Carbon Credit Trading Scheme for reducing the emission intensity of high emitter industrial units. The scheme permits adoption of the most cost-effective technologies, and even trading of the credits, as long as overall trajectory of emission intensity reduction is achieved. This gives full freedom to the designated industrial unit in making economic choice while ensuring compliance with nationally determined goals. The policy makers need to make choices very carefully based on economic principles and scientific reasoning and not on the basis of opinions to avoid the risks to our development attainments.
Time of India
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
DVC releasing water to save itself, flooding Bengal: CM
Kolkata: CM Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday said Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) was releasing water to save itself while causing floods in Bengal. "DVC released nearly 27,000 lakh cubic metres of water. Despite repeated requests, they refuse to make repairs and instead release water to save themselves, causing Bengal to flood," she said. The comments came at a meeting at Nabanna to discuss the flood situation in the state. The CM lamented that the situation hadn't improved despite state govt's all-round efforts. "I have been fighting for 14 years, and several state teams, including those from the irrigation department, visited (central authorities) repeatedly. I personally wrote to the Prime Minister and mentioned it in NITI Aayog and eastern zonal council meetings. But nothing was done." Banerjee alleged Centre doesn't help even in relief work, adding, "Assam receives flood-relief funds but Bengal only gets floods." "They release water and flood the people but don't even provide money to buy a piece of cloth. We have to do everything ourselves," she alleged. You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata To address the flood situation, the CM told 10 district administrations, especially West Midnapore, Jhargram, Hooghly and Howrah, to stay alert. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo She ordered the rapid establishment of relief camps in low-lying areas and told DMs, SPs, BDOs and ICs to ensure food, medicines and clean drinking water are in abundance. A control room will be set up which the CM will personally supervise. "We are conducting regular surveillance. Relief camps should remain operational until the situation normalises. I have also instructed (officials) to ensure anti-venom medicines are stocked in flooded areas and relief camps," she said. Addressing officials, the CM said, "Even if people are in trouble, they may not be able to express it openly but as representatives of govt, you must reach out to them and extend a helping hand. Ensure that not a single person is deprived of govt assistance during this disaster." Banerjee also appealed to political parties for cooperation. "Remember, the flood situation is due to release of water by DVC. Our workers will work round-the-clock to manage this disaster," she said.
Indian Express
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
‘Fighting every year, but to no avail': Mamata Banerjee blames Centre, DVC for flooding in Bengal
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on the Central government and the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC), holding them responsible for the flood-like situation in parts of the state. Addressing a press conference at Nabanna, the state secretariat, Banerjee blamed the DVC for releasing a staggering 27,000 lakh cubic metres of water since June 18. 'All departments are present here today. Monsoon arrived a little early this year. People are suffering because of this (release of water). Bengal is a riverine state, which is why we suffer the most,' she said. The problem persists despite the state's efforts, including digging 5.5 lakh ponds and building 500 check dams, the CM maintained. 'Be it Panchet or Maithon (dams in Jharkhand), or DVC, none of them is listening to us. We have also asked the Centre to begin desilting which can help hold 4 lakh metric cusecs (of water),' the CM claimed. 'It is very unfortunate. First there is rain and then 27,000 lakh cubic metres of water was released. Despite repeated appeals to the Centre, the DVC is not cooperating with us. No one is bothered about their accountability,' she added. Accusing the Centre of inaction despite repeated pleas, she said, 'We have been fighting for years, but to no avail. My team and departments have held meetings. I wrote a letter to the Prime Minister. We raised this in the Eastern Zonal meeting, but they are not paying any heed. They simply release water here. That is all. After all this, they talk about votes… The work should be for voters, for public service. But they are serving themselves,' she said. The Chief Minister issued directives to administration officers, including district magistrates (DMs) and superintendents of police (SPs), to identify low-lying areas, kutcha houses and areas with more water bodies. She called for immediate announcements to evacuate residents from low-lying areas to relief centers or nearby government buildings, ensuring continuous relief efforts. She also stressed the importance of sufficient anti-venom in flood-prone areas. She said Paschim Medinipur (Ghatal and Keshpur), Jhargram, Purba Medinipur, Bankura, Howrah (Uluberia), and Hooghly (Khanakul, Kamarpukur, and Joyrambati) were affected by floods. In North Bengal, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, Malda, and Murshidabad are also experiencing water accumulation, she added. She instructed the Chief Secretary to send teams of principal secretaries or other secretaries to flood-prone areas, forming three-member teams to camp there for seven days for close monitoring. She urged the ministers to cooperate with DMs, BDOs, and the police during this crisis. 'They should monitor closely. We have many programmes, including the one on July 21, but we must ensure that people do not face problems. This is not the time to say who got more and who got less. I will not listen to excuses or any complaints ,' she said. The Chief Minister also addressed the issue of housing, stating 12 lakh 'Banglar Bari' houses have been provided despite a lack of Central funds, with the remaining 16 lakh to be given in phases. She directed the Panchayati Raj Department and police to prevent heavy vehicles from plying on rural roads and called for the postponement of classes in submerged schools, suggesting online classes where possible. Sweety Kumari reports from West Bengal for The Indian Express. She is a journalist with over a decade of experience in the media industry. Covers Crime, Defence, Health , Politics etc and writes on trending topics. With a keen eye for investigative and human-interest stories. She has honed her craft across diverse beats including aviation, health, incidents etc. Sweety delivers impactful journalism that informs and engages audiences. Sweety Kumari is a graduate of Calcutta University with an Honors degree in Journalism from Jaipuria College and a PG in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University. Originally from Bihar, she is brought up in Kolkata and completed her education from Kendriya Vidyalaya SaltLake. Multilingual, Sweety is fluent in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Maithili. She started her career as an Entertainment and lifestyle journalist with a newsportal in Kolkata. She is working with The Indian Express for 8 years now. ... Read More
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Business Standard
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
Mamata blames DVC water release for Bengal floods, cites Centre's neglect
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on July 9 slammed the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) for discharging huge volumes of water from its reservoirs, which she said has caused widespread flooding across parts of the state, and accused the Centre of not doing enough dredging downstream to accommodate the extra water. The DVC has released around 27,000 lakh cubic metres of water into West Bengal's rivers since June 18, she claimed, according to a report by the Press Trust of India. Appeals to DVC ignored: West Bengal CM Mamata accused the DVC of ignoring repeated appeals from her government to consult the state before releasing such large volumes of water, especially during peak monsoon season when downstream areas are already vulnerable. 'I am sorry to inform you that the DVC is releasing water in a sustained manner from its reservoirs, including those at Maithon and Panchet. They are doing this to save themselves without caring for the consequences our state is suffering on account of their actions. We have been fighting this menace for the last 14 years without any positive result,' said Banerjee during a high-level meeting at the state secretariat to review the flood situation. Flooding in low-lying areas despite infra Despite the creation of more than 500,000 ponds and 500 check dams under a World Bank-supported project to manage rainwater, several areas in south Bengal, including the flood-prone Ghatal block in Paschim Medinipur, have been repeatedly inundated this season. 'We have sent multiple teams in the past to address the issue; our irrigation department has repeatedly raised concerns, and I have written to the PM about this. We raised the matter at meetings of the eastern regional council as well as the Niti Aayog. But all our appeals seem to have fallen on deaf ears,' said Banerjee. Centre accused of neglect, inequity The CM blamed the central government for not dredging Bengal's downstream rivers, which she claimed could have created capacity for an additional 400,000 cubic metres of water. She alleged that the Centre has failed in its responsibility towards Bengal. 'States like Assam, unlike Bengal, receive central grants to tackle floods. For Bengal, their responsibility ends after releasing water and flooding our lands,' she said. Instructions for relief and rescue operations Banerjee directed district officials and the police to evacuate residents from low-lying, vulnerable areas and shift them to safe shelters. She assured that funds for relief materials would not be an issue. 'We already have flood shelters in some areas. We must build temporary shelters in areas where we don't and move people there. There will be no dearth of funds for relief materials,' she said. She also asked the health department to stock essential medicines, including anti-venom for snake bites, and instructed the power department to launch safety awareness drives about avoiding electric poles during rain. She further directed the district administration to set up control rooms for round-the-clock flood monitoring and ensure constant coordination with the state chief secretary in case of emergencies. Long-term flood mitigation, housing plans Banerjee said that work on the Ghatal Master Plan has already begun and is expected to be completed within two years. 'We have already started implementing the Ghatal Master Plan and we plan to complete it in the next two years. That will provide relief to a few lakh people from the recurring floods in that area,' she said. On the housing front, she spoke about expanding the rural housing initiative Banglar Bari. The state plans to build another 2.8 million homes by May next year, in addition to the 4.7 million already constructed with partial funding from the Centre. 'We will release funds for 1.2 million houses in December this year and for another 1.6 million houses by May next year. We will keep releasing funds in phases and plan to finish the project for the entire state in the next three to four years,' she added.
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Business Standard
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
India should intervene diplomatically to stop Iran-Israel conflict: Mamata
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday expressed concern over the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict and urged the Centre to take diplomatic initiatives to help end the hostilities between the two West Asian nations. The conflict has seen hundreds of missiles and drones exchanged between Israel and Iran since tensions escalated over a week ago, with the situation worsening significantly following the US bombing of three major Iranian nuclear sites on Sunday morning. During her address in the assembly on environmental issues, Banerjee said, "War has broken out in many parts of the world. Such things cause air and water pollution. We have to take steps to stop this." She said, "External affairs come under the Indian government. Diplomatically, peacefully, we must take initiative so that war stops." Banerjee clarified, "I am not authorised to speak on external affairs and diplomatic issues. This is my personal view as a concerned citizen of this world." Speaking on the flood situation in Ghatal sub-division in Paschim Medinipur district, she said, despite repeated reminders, the central agency DVC is "not undertaking dredging operations" at its dams in Maithon and Panchet. She accused the DVC of releasing large volumes of water from its dams during the rainy season "without informing" the West Bengal government. "They are releasing water without informing us. They have not conducted dredging operations for many years. Now, DVC has the accumulated capacity to store one lakh cusec of water in its dams. Had they undertaken dredging operations regularly, four lakh cusecs of water could have been stored in their dams and such overflowing in vast parts of south Bengal won't recur," Banerjee said in the assembly. West Bengal Irrigation Minister Manas Bhuniya had on Monday said nearly two lakh people have been affected in the floods at Ghatal sub-division in Paschim Medinipur district and asserted that the government was taking every possible step to help the marooned people. Bhuniya had alleged that the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) aggravated the situation by "failing to regulate the release of water" from its dams in Jharkhand despite requests from the West Bengal irrigation department. The minister had told reporters that he wrote to the chairman of the organisation to exercise caution while discharging additional water in future.
