Around 12 thermal power plants in the National Capital Region (NCR) have been directed to meet emission limits latest by December 31, 2019, the Raya Sabha was told today.

Union Minister of State for Environment Mahesh Sharma in a written reply in the House said these plants have been given direction under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

"There are 12 thermal power plants located in the NCR and its surrounding area, within a radius of 300 km of Delhi.

"These plants have been given direction under Section 5 of the EPA Act, 1986, to meet emission limits latest by December 31, 2019, except the Badarpur Thermal Power Station which is allowed to operate till October 15, 2018," he said.

Sharma pointed out that in order to meet new emission limits of Particulate Matter (PM), SO2 and NOx, all the thermal power plants need to install high efficiency Electrostatic Precipitators to control PM, flue gas desulphurisation system to control SO2 emissions and low NOX burners followed by combustion modification or selective catalytic reduction system to control NOx emission.

"Besides, the pollution levels will be brought down significantly by implementing the revised emission norms thereby improving the health of the people," he said.