Maharashtra coal-fired plants closed due to pollution

The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board closed eight coal-based power units operated by Maharashtra State Power Generation Company due to non-compliance of pollution norms.

The plants, which have been closed include Koradi, Parali, Bhusawal and Paras as they have been in operation for more than 35 years, against the stipulated average of 20 years.

The move has been taken after MahaGenco failed to comply with MPCB's notification to control emissions up to 150mg per cubic metre by carrying out time-bound anti-emission control measures.

Maharashtra energy minister Ajit Pawar said the emission levels in these units were higher than MPCB norms and, in some cases, it was above 600mg per cubic metre.