The Government’s recent decision to ease the blanket requirement for flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) systems across its coal-fired power fleet is not a retreat from environmental responsibility. On the contrary, it represents a mature, data-driven course correction — one that balances science, fiscal prudence and the realities of a still-developing economy.

The days of importing regulation from abroad, without context or calibration, must end. This decision is proof that India has begun creating laws and norms that suit Indian requirements and conditions.

FGD systems remove sulphur dioxide (SO₂) from the exhaust of coal-fired power plants. In regions that use high-sulphur coal or face heavy industrial pollution, FGDs are essential. But in India — where domestic coal is inherently low in sulphur and ambient SO₂ levels across most cities remain well within permissible limits — a universal mandate was always difficult to........

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