Draft Environment Rules on Thermal Plant Cooling Towers
In News
What Happened
Why It Matters
Background
History & Context
What Changed
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BEFORE: Thermal power plants were mandated to install cooling towers to reduce wastewater temperature without flexible exemptions. NOW: The draft rule introduces a clause in Schedule I allowing exemptions from cooling tower installations on a case-by-case basis.
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BEFORE: The regulatory framework lacked a formalized mechanism for granting site-specific cooling tower waivers. NOW: Exemptions will be granted via a written order by the MoEFCC after consulting the CEA and the CPCB.
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BEFORE: Thermal pollution regulations were uniformly applied to ensure compliance across all thermal plants. NOW: Plants can seek relief based on technological feasibility or climatic constraints by providing technical justifications.
Prelims Angle
NCERT Connection
Practice Questions
Q1
Correct Statement(s)With reference to the Draft Environment (Protection) Amendment Rules, 2025, consider the following statements: 1. The draft rules propose a blanket exemption for all thermal power plants from installing cooling towers. 2. Any exemption granted under these rules must be decided by the MoEFCC in consultation with the Central Electricity Authority and the Central Pollution Control Board. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?