Environment Ministry has notified stricter standards for coal-based thermal power plants in the country to minimize pollution. These standards are proposed to be implemented in a phased manner. The new standards are aimed at reducing emission of PM10, sulphur dioxide and oxide of nitrogen. This will help in bringing about an improvement in the ambient air quality in and around thermal power plants.<br/><br/>The standards have been made stringent for recent plants, compared to earlier ones and most stringent for those plants to be set up in future.