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Haryana Power Plant Exceeds Emission Limits by 38x
3 Oct
Summary
- Unit 2 emissions were 38.8 times the prescribed PM limit.
- Central Pollution Control Board assessed ₹31.46 crore interim fine.
- Plant's dust control and monitoring systems showed significant lapses.
Particulate matter emissions from one unit of the Deen Bandhu Chhotu Ram Thermal Power Project in Haryana's Yamuna Nagar significantly exceeded prescribed limits. Unit 2 recorded particulate matter at 1,939 mg/Nm³, which is approximately 38.8 times the standard of 50 mg/Nm³ as of February 10, 2026. Consequently, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has assessed an interim environmental compensation of ₹31.46 crore for the period of February 10 to June 15, 2026.
The CPCB's findings, obtained through an RTI application, revealed that the plant falls into the "highly polluting" category. Inspections on July 28, 2025, and stack monitoring on February 10 and 11, 2026, confirmed these excessive emissions. The deadline for complying with PM emission standards had passed on December 31, 2024. In addition to high PM emissions, the plant exhibited inadequate dust control measures and malfunctioning online emission monitoring systems.
The plant has been issued a show-cause notice to explain why the compensation should not be imposed, with a 15-day deadline to respond. The CPCB highlighted several other non-compliances, including insufficient dust control, inadequate water flow meters, and hazardous waste management issues. The final compensation amount may vary based on future compliance reports and further stack tests.
