In fact the pollution level at the SEB plants is 260 times more than the prescribed norm.

The BSEB, like many other state electricity boards (SEBs), is running at a loss that has mounted to a staggering Rs 2000 crore and the outdated and old machinery at the three major thermal power units have only added to its woes.

However, to check pollution, the Patratu thermal power plant installed an electrostatic precipitator (ESP) at its unit No V (five) in June 1999. ESP helps in arresting suspended particulate matters (SPM) thrown up by boilers using coal with a high ash content. According to the PCB standards, the Unit V of the power plant should not emit more that 150 SPM (in milligram per normal cubic metre). However, the plant emits 38,962.63 SPM. The reading was taken on June 26, 1998.

The ESP installed at Unit I in November 1996 has given a reading of 3235.05 SPM, which is about 21.5 times more than the prescribed of 150 SPM.Of the 10 units of the Patratu thermal power plant, seven have ESPs installed while three are yet to have them. And only two of the seven ESPs have taken SPM readings. This came to light during an environmental audit by the Comptroller & Auditor General of India.

According to the CAG, Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (Bhel) was awarded (in September 1987) a turnkey project for supply, erection and commissioning of eight ESPs for Units I to VI of the Patratu thermal power station at a total cost of Rs 22.37 crore. The scheduled time for the completion of the project was May 1990. However, the date was rescheduled due to non-availability of boilers, which were made available to Bhel between May 1989 and Novembe 1995.

The ESPs required for Units I, III and V were, however, commissioned after a time overrun of between 25.5 and 36.5 months resulting in a loss of potential generation valued at Rs 427.27 crore. Besides, the ESPs for Units II, IV and VI which were to be commissioned between March 1994 and December 1995, have not been commissioned.