Wednesday, February 12, 2025
HomeClimate ChangeIndian coal giants advocate for relaxed pollution regulations while increasing production

Indian coal giants advocate for relaxed pollution regulations while increasing production

“India Weakens Pollution Rules for Coal Industry Despite International Commitments: Investigation Reveals”

India’s state-run coal giants have been lobbying the government to weaken pollution regulations and expand the coal industry, despite the country’s commitment to phase down coal power at the COP26 climate talks. An investigation by Climate Home has revealed that top producers, including Coal India Limited (CIL) and National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Limited, pushed back against regulations aimed at controlling fly ash disposal, a byproduct known to harm both humans and the environment.

Letters obtained by Climate Home show that these companies lobbied to weaken federal rules between 2019 and 2023, citing financial constraints and the potential risk to their operations. Despite the approval of stricter regulations, lobbying efforts continued, resulting in some rules being eased.

The 2021 COP26 climate pact called for a phase-down of unabated coal power, which India agreed to, but the country’s coal infrastructure has continued to grow, driven by increased coal mining and power capacity. The documents obtained by Climate Home reveal that while India was negotiating the COP26 agreement, coal companies were lobbying against regulations on fly ash pollution.

Fly ash, a byproduct of coal-fired power plants, poses significant environmental and health risks if not managed properly. Companies can recycle fly ash into construction materials to minimize its impact, but the accumulation of unused ash remains a challenge. The updated fly ash regulations introduced fines for non-compliance and mandated the utilization of accumulated ash, but loopholes and exemptions were exploited by coal companies.

Despite concerns raised by executives about the financial implications of fines for non-compliance, coal production and thermal power capacity in India have continued to expand. European asset managers have also invested substantially in Indian coal giants, further fueling the industry’s growth.

Experts emphasize the importance of environmental regulations to protect communities living near coal facilities and to address air and water pollution. While India requires flexibility to meet its energy needs, there is a need for better controls on pollution to safeguard public health and the environment.

The persistence of coal companies in lobbying for weaker regulations highlights the challenges in transitioning away from fossil fuels and the need for stronger enforcement of environmental standards to ensure sustainable development.

RELATED ARTICLES

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Most Popular