Green light to thermal power plants only after 'human risk' evaluation

New thermal power plants in India will now have to comply with 'human health and environment ' criteria as part of their mandatory environmental clearance procedures. The Union environment ministry has notified a new list of standard conditions, bringing for the first time an exclusive health assessment as an essential point to give green nod to such plants.
Under its new order, issued on Monday, the company will have to take into account chronic exposure to air and noise pollution which may adversely affect health of not only workers but also of people living in its vicinity. This baseline health status within the study area will be part of the company's application, seeking environment clearances for setting up new thermal power plants anywhere in the country.

                                                                                                                    (TOI)