Out of sight: How coal burning advances India’s air pollution crisis

Abstract

While the focus of India’s air pollution debate remains on visible urban sources, the rapid expansion of coal-based thermal power generation is a major driver of the crisis. Satellite data analysis reveals significant increases in PM2.5 (13%) and SO2 (31%) levels from 2009 to 2015, with large industrial clusters and new coal-fired thermal power plants as the primary contributors to SO2 and NO2 emissions. The rise in secondary particulates formed from aerosols like SO2 and NOx is a key factor in the increasing PM2.5 levels, posing a serious health threat. Case studies in hotspots like Singrauli, Korba-Raigarh, Angul, Chandrapur, Mundra, and the National Capital Region (NCR) demonstrate a direct link between increased coal consumption and air pollution. This study underscores the urgent need for compliance with thermal power plant emission standards and a comprehensive, nationwide action plan to tackle the air pollution crisis effectively.