Panipat thermal plant fined Rs 6.9 crore over pollution
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has imposed an environmental compensation of Rs 6.93 crore on the Panipat Thermal Power Station for causing air pollution and soil contamination. The penalty has been calculated at a rate of 1 paisa per tonne of fly ash per day.
Based on 108 lakh tonnes of ash accumulated in the station’s ash dykes over 639 days — from October 1, 2022, to June 30, 2024 — the fine has been decided. The tribunal had taken cognisance of a petition against the station on September 22, 2022, and reserved its judgement on July 11, 2024.
Subhender, a resident of Sutana village in Panipat, had complained that fly ash from the station spread over nearby villages — including Sutana, Jatal, Khukhrana, Untla and Aasan — during the peak summer season, causing serious respiratory issues and discomfort for passers-by and residents. He noted that on May 20, 2022, strong winds carried fly ash into homes, creating health risks, and added that it caused reduced visibility on roads, increasing the chances of accidents.
Currently, the Panipat power plant operates one 210 MW unit and two 250 MW units to generate electricity. To investigate, the NGT had formed a joint committee comprising the Central Pollution Control Board, the Haryana State Pollution Control Board, and the DC of Panipat.
In its report dated April 10, 2023, the committee found that PM10 and PM2.5 levels exceeded National Ambient Air Quality (NAAQ) standards across all eight locations tested between December 2022 and January 2023. PM10 concentrations ranged from 155 to 432 micrograms per cubic meter (compared to the standard of 100), and PM2.5 levels ranged from 66 to 275 micrograms per cubic meter (compared to the standard of 60).
In villages near the power plant, PM10 levels were significantly higher than those at Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAQMS), including those at Sector 18, Forest Office Jattal Road, and Police Line, GT Road, in Panipat — where concentrations ranged from 70 to 273, 68 to 394, and 20 to 282 micrograms per cubic meter, respectively. PM2.5 levels were also higher in areas near the plant (66-275 micrograms per cubic meter) compared to CAQMS readings in Sector 18, Panipat (13-75 micrograms per cubic meter).
Additionally, the committee found that nickel concentrations exceeded permissible limits at two locations, and benzene concentrations were above permissible levels at four locations.
“Soil analysis revealed that nickel and zinc concentrations were higher than the target values recommended by the WHO, indicating the impact of unscientific ash disposal and management by Panipat Thermal Power Station (PTPS),” the committee said.
Regarding the development of a green belt, the power plant stated that approximately 98,000 trees had been planted, even as their survival rate had not been verified. The NGT criticised this effort, saying: “Mere plantation of trees without ensuring their survival is neither an effective measure for reforestation nor beneficial for environmental protection,”
It directed the plant to establish a sustainable green belt within the designated area, ensuring the survival of various species for next five years.
“When the environment is damaged due to illegal activities that violate environmental laws and norms, the violator is liable for the costs associated with the remediation and rejuvenation of the damaged environment,” the NGT said.
