SC refuses to relax ban on petcoke, furnace oil

NTPC wanted time to phase them out

Emissions billow from smokestacks at the NTPC Ltd. Badarpur coal-fired power plant as the sun sets in Badarpur, Delhi, India, on Tuesday, April 28, 2015. Barely 16 miles from central Delhi, the 40-year-old coal-fired power plant stands testament to the bargain struck by India's capital city: The world's dirtiest air for electricity. Photographer: Kuni Takahashi/Bloomberg

The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to modify its ban on the use of petcoke and furnace oil in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Haryana, compelling the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) to withdraw it plea for some relaxation till the power plants switch over to an alternative fuel.

‘Approach Centre’

A Bench led by Madan B. Lokur pointed out that the Centre and the Central Pollution Control Board has already acted on the ban and issued a notification for a complete ban on the use of petcoke and furnace oil in these States. The court asked NTPC to approach the Centre.

Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, for NTPC, submitted that it fully supported the cause of the environment and was using only 0.03% furnace oil in its plants. An immediate stoppage would lead to black outs in several States. He said the minuscule use of furnace oil for “boosting” should be allowed to continue for now and the plants were on the verge of phasing out.

“We need to switch over but immediate stoppage will not be in the interest of the country as we supply power to various States,” he said.

Application withdrawn

“Tell us, children are not part of this country? Delhi is not part of this country?” the Bench responded with a question. Delhi has already banned petcoke and furnace oil.

“The Government of India has issued a notification. We are not going to modify the notification,” the court told Mr. Mehta.

Mr. Mehta chose to then withdraw the application. A similar plea was also by filed Hindalco.