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State-run Parli Thermal Power Station ordered to stop operation of 2 units over pollution

February 11, 2026 5 min read Environment & Ecology GS3 (Environment)
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What Happened

  • The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has directed the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) to immediately stop operations of Units 6 and 8 at Parli Thermal Power Station in Beed district, Maharashtra.
  • The directive, issued via a letter dated February 5, 2026, follows persistent environmental compliance failures at the state-run plant operated by MAHAGENCO (Maharashtra State Power Generation Company).
  • A CPCB inspection in May 2025 found Units 6, 7, and 8 operating despite earlier closure orders, with their Consent to Operate (CTO) having expired in December 2024.
  • Particulate matter emissions from Units 6, 7, and 8 were recorded at 87, 85, and 91 mg/Nm3 respectively — significantly exceeding the prescribed limit of 50 mg/Nm3.
  • Additional violations included continuous leakage from raw effluent pump house into nearby drains, direct discharge of untreated sewage and ash slurry into natural drains, and absence of mandatory third-party safety audits of ash dykes since 2019.

Static Topic Bridges

Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs)

The CPCB is a statutory organisation constituted under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. It also exercises powers under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. The CPCB functions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and serves as the apex body for coordinating pollution control activities across India. State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs), such as the MPCB in this case, function as the implementing agencies at the state level.

  • CPCB constituted in September 1974 under Section 3 of the Water Act, 1974
  • Also exercises powers under the Air Act, 1981 (Section 16 — functions of the Central Board)
  • SPCBs exercise powers under Section 17 of the Air Act, 1981 — including planning pollution control programmes, setting emission standards, and inspecting industrial sites
  • Section 21 of the Air Act, 1981 mandates that no industry shall operate without obtaining a Consent to Operate (CTO) from the SPCB
  • Section 22 prohibits industries from discharging emissions in excess of standards set by the Board
  • Section 24 grants Board officials power of entry and inspection

Connection to this news: The CPCB exercised its supervisory and coordinating role over the MPCB, directing the state board to enforce closure of the non-compliant units at Parli that were operating without valid CTO and exceeding emission norms.

Emission Norms for Thermal Power Plants (2015 Notification)

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change notified revised emission standards for thermal power plants on December 7, 2015, under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. These norms set limits for particulate matter (PM), sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and mercury emissions from coal-based power plants, with differentiated standards based on the age of the unit.

  • Particulate Matter limits: 100 mg/Nm3 (units installed before December 31, 2003), 50 mg/Nm3 (units installed between 2003 and 2016), 30 mg/Nm3 (units installed after January 1, 2017)
  • SO2 limits: 600 mg/Nm3 (older units), 200 mg/Nm3 (newer units), requiring installation of Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) systems
  • NOx limits: 600 mg/Nm3 (pre-2003 units), 300 mg/Nm3 (2003-2016 units), 100 mg/Nm3 (post-2016 units)
  • Mercury emissions capped at 0.03 mg/Nm3 for all plants
  • Compliance deadlines have been repeatedly extended — SO2 compliance was originally due by December 2017 but has been pushed to 2027 for many plants

Connection to this news: Units 6, 7, and 8 at Parli were commissioned around 2005, making the applicable PM limit 50 mg/Nm3. Their recorded emissions of 85-91 mg/Nm3 represent violations of 70-82% above the prescribed limit, justifying the CPCB shutdown order.

Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 — Section 5 (Power to Issue Directions)

Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 grants the Central Government sweeping powers to issue directions in writing to any person, officer, or authority for the purpose of environmental protection. This umbrella legislation provides the overarching legal framework within which the CPCB and SPCBs operate.

  • Section 5 includes power to direct closure, prohibition, or regulation of any industry, operation, or process
  • Also includes power to direct stoppage or regulation of supply of electricity, water, or any other service
  • The Central Government has delegated these powers to various state governments
  • Courts have held that where grave injury to the environment is caused, the government can dispense with the requirement of hearing before issuing closure orders
  • Section 15 prescribes penalties: imprisonment up to 5 years and/or fine up to Rs 1 lakh, with additional fine of Rs 5,000 per day for continuing offences

Connection to this news: The CPCB's direction to shut down the Parli units derives its legal authority from this section, which enables pollution control authorities to order immediate closure of industries found violating environmental norms.

Under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, every industrial unit must obtain a Consent to Establish (CTE) before construction and a Consent to Operate (CTO) before commencing operations. The CTO must be periodically renewed and contains conditions regarding emission limits, waste management, and environmental safeguards.

  • CTO is granted by the respective SPCB (Section 21, Air Act 1981; Section 25, Water Act 1974)
  • Operating without a valid CTO is a criminal offence punishable under both Acts
  • CTO typically valid for 5 years for large industries (varies by state)
  • Renewal requires demonstrating compliance with all prescribed environmental standards
  • SPCBs can refuse renewal or revoke CTO for non-compliance

Connection to this news: The Parli units were found operating with an expired CTO (expired December 2024), compounding their violation. Operating without a valid CTO is itself an independent ground for shutdown, apart from the emission norm exceedances.

Key Facts & Data

  • Parli Thermal Power Station: located in Parli Vaijnath, Beed district, Maharashtra; operated by MAHAGENCO
  • Total installed capacity: 1,130 MW across multiple units (Units 6, 7, 8 each rated at 250 MW)
  • PM emission levels recorded: 87, 85, and 91 mg/Nm3 for Units 6, 7, and 8 respectively
  • Prescribed PM limit for these units (installed around 2005): 50 mg/Nm3
  • Consent to Operate expired: December 2024
  • Third-party ash dyke safety audits not conducted since 2019
  • CPCB directive letter dated: February 5, 2026
  • 2015 emission norms notification date: December 7, 2015